Accusations of plagiarism in the music industry are common due to the limited number of notes and chord structures used in pop songs. Iconic artists like George Harrison, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson, and others have faced allegations of copying melodies and lyrics. Songwriting often involves influences from the past, leading to unintentional plagiarism known as cryptomnesia. Artists accused of plagiarism must choose between negotiating with the original author or claiming ignorance.
The controversy surrounding Taylor Swift’s hit song “Shake It Off” and its similarities to “Playas Gon’ Play” by 3LW led to a five-year legal battle, eventually resulting in a settlement in 2022. A CNN documentary titled “Taking on Taylor Swift” explores this case, highlighting the complexities of plagiarism in the music industry.
The documentary raises questions about the systemic racism in the culture industry, where white artists have historically appropriated creations from Black artists. While the verdict on the alleged plagiarism remains unclear, the debate surrounding originality in music continues to be a topic of discussion.
Ultimately, the music industry’s history of plagiarism underscores the challenges of creating unique content in a world filled with diverse influences. Cryptomnesia serves as a reminder that even the most creative minds may unknowingly borrow ideas from others.
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