Johnny Cash Estate Sues Coca-Cola Over Voice Use in Ad
URGENT UPDATE: The estate of Johnny Cash has just filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola for using the legendary singer-songwriter’s voice in a commercial without authorization. The complaint, lodged on Tuesday in Nashville, marks a significant application of Tennessee’s new ELVIS Act, which protects individuals’ vocal likeness from unauthorized use.
The controversial advertisement, featuring professional Cash impersonator Shawn Barker, has been broadcasting since August 2023, primarily during college football games. Cash’s estate claims that Barker’s voice closely resembles that of the iconic artist, who passed away in 2003. According to the suit, “This case arises from Coca-Cola’s pirating Johnny Cash’s voice in a nationwide advertising campaign to enrich itself.”
The estate, which actively licenses Cash’s music, asserts that Coca-Cola failed to seek permission prior to using the likeness, thus infringing on the rights protected under the ELVIS Act. Legal representative Tim Warnock of Loeb & Loeb stated, “Stealing the voice of an artist is theft. It is theft of his integrity, identity, and humanity.”
As the legal battle unfolds, Coca-Cola has not yet responded to requests for comment from The Daily Beast. Meanwhile, Barker’s team expressed excitement over his involvement in the campaign, stating that he was “thrilled” to contribute his vocals for the commercial.
This lawsuit shines a spotlight on the growing concerns surrounding the use of artists’ likenesses in advertising, especially without consent. The outcome could significantly impact how companies approach marketing strategies involving impersonators and voice mimics.
Stay tuned for more developments on this high-profile legal case, as it raises critical questions about intellectual property rights and artistic integrity in the digital age.
