Jackson Browne sues McCain, RNC over song in ad

Jackson Browne sues McCain, RNC over song in ad
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Jackson Browne doesn't want John McCain running on anything fueled by his lyrics.

The singer-songwriter sued McCain and the Ohio and national Republican committees in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Thursday, accusing them of using his song "Running on Empty" without his permission.

The lawsuit claims the song's use was an infringement of his copyright and will lead people to conclude he endorses McCain. The suit says Browne is a lifelong liberal who is as well-known for his music as for being "an advocate for social and environmental justice."

The advertisement mocks Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's contention that if U.S. drivers got regular tuneups and drove on properly inflated tires, they could save the same amount of oil that would be gained by offshore drilling. According to the suit, "Running on Empty" plays in the background of the ad criticizing the remarks.

Robert Bennett, chairman of the Ohio party, said the ad was pulled when Browne objected. He called the lawsuit a "big to-do about nothing."

McCain spokesman Brian Rogers disavowed the ad, saying it wasn't a product of the Republican presidential candidate's campaign.

Browne's lawsuit contends the Ohio Republican party released the ad on behalf of McCain and the RNC. The RNC did not return a phone call seeking comment.

The suit notes that other musicians, including ABBA and John Cougar Mellencamp, have asked McCain to stop using their work.

Browne's attorney, Lawrence Iser, called the ad's use of the song "reprehensible."

The 59-year-old singer claims his reputation has already been damaged and is seeking more than $75,000 in damages.

Browne released "Running on Empty" — the song and an album by the same name — in 1977. According to the lawsuit, the album has sold more than 7 million copies.

Browne's financial success has aided Democratic candidates over the years. Campaign finance records show he contributed $2,300 to Obama's presidential campaign last year and $2,000 to the Illinois senator's campaign coffers in 2004.

___

On the Net:

http://www.jacksonbrowne.com/

Published 8/15/08 by


AP Recording News

Comments (11)

  • orLogin
  • lieben7198@yahoo.com
    Anonymous 3/6/09 Reply
  • Don't believe Browne was an Eagle member.
    He did however write "Take It Easy".
    What have you written that topped the charts?
    Anonymous 8/17/08 Reply
  • Could those of you who are critical of Jackson Browne please list Your achievements?
    Anonymous 8/17/08 Reply
  • This guy doesn't realize how stupid he is. He's only suing Sen. McCain because the senator stands for conservativism. Had Barack HUSSEIN Obooma used the song, he'd be lauding the action to the roof. Someone needs to tell Mr. Brown 3 things: Obooma...
    MISSMOO 8/15/08 Reply
    • I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU! HE SUPPORTS MR. B HUSSAIN OBAMA. HOW CAN WE VOTE A MAN WITH HIS CREDENTIALS,(HE HAS NONE) AND NAME FOR PRESIDENT!
      Anonymous 8/17/08
  • People get sued all the time and loose. Why should a political figure get by with it? Why doesn't he create his own lyrics? While no artist last forever, Jackson Brown created his own lyrics and music.
    Anonymous 8/15/08 Reply
  • How absolutely ignorant and dim does McCain and the republicans have to be to use a bunch of songs written by liberals in your campaign ads !!! That type of decision making should disqualify him from the office!
    Anonymous 8/15/08 Reply
  • The arrogance of John McShame's people makes me sick. They have no class or manners, and YES, it IS against the law to use something belonging to somebody else without asking permission first! It is also very pathetic that an old f*a*r*t like...
    Anonymous 8/15/08 Reply
  • "McCain spokesman Brian Rogers disavowed the ad, saying it wasn't a product of the Republican presidential candidate's campaign."

    Not even president, and already playing the "shot dead body on the floor, but nobody shot him" game.

    Right, no...
    Anonymous 8/15/08 Reply
  • Jackson Browne should be glad someone is playing his music..it all sounds the same and has a "I was drunk when I wrote it" sound. Jackson...go write something that is sellable. Oh that's right..you haven't been able to do that since leaving The...
    bigcatdaddy 8/15/08 Reply
  • ...and tell McCain I don't appreciate him whistling Dixie either!
    Anonymous 8/15/08 Reply