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Legal
Aretha songwriting partner sues her publisher
By CMU Editorial | Published on Wednesday 20 July 2011
Aretha Franklin’s long-time songwriting partner has sued the soul legend’s publishing company, Springtime Publishing, over allegations relating to two songs he co-wrote with the singer.
Norman West says that Springtime allowed ‘Put It Back Together Again’ to be released on Franklin’s recent album ‘A Woman Falling Out Of Love’ without having signed a royalties agreement with him as co-writer. He also claims Springtime have acting improperly regarding royalties on another song he wrote with Franklin, ‘Watch My Back’.
West’s lawyer says his client retains much respect for Franklin herself who the plaintiff sees as his “mentor and guiding force”, but adds that he was forced to take action against her publisher after private attempts to settle the dispute failed. The legal man says his client wants to ensure the future payment of royalties he is due.
Neither Springtime nor Franklin’s people have responded to the lawsuit.
