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Milsap Hit Song's Melody Triggers Legal Battle
28 Aug
Summary
- A piano lick in Ronnie Milsap's hit song led to a copyright dispute.
- The song's title similarity to Tammy Wynette's hit caused the issue.
- Writing credit was later shared, acknowledging Wynette and Sherrill.
Ronnie Milsap's 1976 chart-topper, "(I'm a) Stand by My Woman Man," unexpectedly generated a significant legal issue stemming from its memorable piano lick. During the recording session, producer Tom Collins requested pianist Hargus "Pig" Robbins to create a fill that evoked the style of artists like George Jones or Tammy Wynette.
Robbins's contribution bore a resemblance to a lick he had previously performed on Wynette's "Stand by Your Man." Following the release of Milsap's song, publisher Al Gallico reportedly initiated a lawsuit against Collins, alleging copyright infringement.
This legal contention ultimately resulted in a revised songwriting credit. According to the BMI.com Songview database, Kent Robbins, the original songwriter, now shares writing credit with Tammy Wynette and her producer, Billy Sherrill. This adjustment acknowledges the interconnected musical elements that sparked the dispute.
