Copyright Case-Study #4
The Chiffons vs George Harrison
George Harrison seemed to have no trouble transitioning away from Beatlehood. His first solo record following the band’s breakup, 1970’s triple album All Things Must Pass, showed that the “quiet Beatle” had plenty to say. However, after lead single “My Sweet Lord” became a hit for Harrison, it was soon suggested that he had had some help in finding his voice from girl group The Chiffon’s “He’s So Fine”. How much help exactly? Well, in the words of the judge who finally ruled on the matter in 1976, “The two songs are virtually identical!” It was agreed upon, however, that Harrison had merely copied the song “subconsciously,” so, yeah, he had that going for him. –Matt Melis (1)