Famous Musicians Who Stole Songs: A Downright Plagiarism
Famous Musicians Who Stole Songs: A Downright Plagiarism
Throughout the history of music, many artists have been accused of stealing songs and claiming them as their own. This article highlights some famous musicians who have been caught in the act. Whether it's through direct name theft or outright copying, these cases have sparked controversy and raised questions about originality in the music industry.
The Case of Engelbert Humperdinck and Arnold George Dorsey
Arnold George Dorsey was not just a phonetic artist; he had the audacity to steal another man’s name and use it as his own, calling himself Engelbert Humperdinck. The real Engelbert Humperdinck, beloved by opera buffs for his renowned work Hansel und Gretel, finds himself at the receiving end of a mockery by a so-called hack.
While Hansel und Gretel may have a less famous place in the annals of opera, it remains a testament to his artistic worth, without comparison to Dorsey's fraudulent claim.
Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”
Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is often celebrated as the definitive version. Interestingly, the song was originally written by Dolly Parton. Much like the first point, Houston didn't actually steal the song, but she did transform it into a masterpiece, allowing it to transcend its original meaning and reach a wider audience.
Led Zeppelin and Their Songlifting Allegations
Led Zeppelin's track record is replete with accusations of stealing other people's songs. While some of their cases are more controversial, others seem to have more concrete evidence. Let's take a look at some of the most egregious cases:
Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
This song on their self-titled first album was largely based on an almost identical song by folk singer Joan Baez. Even Jimmy Page, the guitarist's defense for never having heard the original song, falls flat when considering The Yardbirds opening act was Jimmy's old band.
Dazed and Confused
A widely recognized song, "Dazed Confused" by Led Zeppelin, is based on a song of the same name by folk singer Jake Holmes. The similarity is striking, with an almost identical riff and a noticeably identical set of lyrics. Led Zeppelin's defense that they never heard the original song is debunked by the fact that Jake Holmes opened for their old band, The Yardbirds, and they even covered his version, sounding almost identical to the Zeppelin song with Jimmy Page's same guitar riff.
Other Songlifting Allegations
There are more instances of Led Zeppelin taking credit for other people’s songs:
How Many More Times - Based largely on Howling Wolf's How Many More Years. Some lyrics also from Albert King's The Hunter. Moby Dick - Lifts a riff from Bobby Parker's Watch Your Step. Whole Lotta Love - Based on Willie Dixon's You Need Love, with clear lifting of lyrics from that song. Stairway To Heaven - The band’s most iconic song has been under scrutiny. The opening guitar riff is alleged to be lifted from Taurus by the mysterious Californian rock band Spirit. While the case was thrown out, the family of late guitarist Randy California continues to sue over the allegation.These are just some of the cases that shine a light on the dark side of the music industry, where originality is sometimes sacrificed for fame and fortune.
Conclusion
The music industry has its fair share of controversy, and cases of songlifting are just one aspect that highlights the struggle for originality and authenticity. While some argue that these are just creative juices being squeezed, others see it as a clear ethical and moral lapse, overshadowing the brilliance of groundbreaking art.