Credit Where Credit Is Due: The Beatles, Eagles, and Writing Royalties in Rock Music
Examining the instances where songwriters receive credit for their contributions in rock music reveals interesting trends, particularly in the cases of The Beatles and The Eagles. When analyzing The Beatles' songwriting credits, it becomes clear that these credit policies often favored the band's iconic duo, Paul McCartney and John Lennon, potentially at the expense of contributions from George Harrison and Ringo Starr. In contrast, The Eagles' approach to songwriting credits was more lenient, sometimes including outside writers like Bob Seger on their albums, such as The Long Run.
The Beatles: A Single-Credit System
Most of The Beatles' songs were accredited to either Paul McCartney and John Lennon or George Harrison. George Harrison and Ringo Starr often contributed guitar parts and solos, respectively, which arguably deserve writing credit. Harrison once felt that he deserved equal publishing royalties, despite his contributions being largely acknowledged in other bands. For instance, Ringo was credited for two drum parts, and there was one instance where all four Beatles collaborated, contributing to the writing of a song.
George Harrison's Struggle for Recognition
George Harrison's efforts in songwriting and musical arrangement were significant but often unacknowledged. Ringo, on the other hand, was able to go with the flow, accepting the status quo without much complaint. In contrast, George was more inclined to question the credit system, leading to a legal dispute with Northern Songs Ltd. in the 1990s. This struggle highlights the disparities in the recognition and compensation for contributors within the band.
The Eagles' More Flexible Approach to Songwriting Credits
On the other hand, The Eagles were more open to including writing credits for collaborative efforts. This is exemplified by the inclusion of Bob Seger, a talented songwriter and singer, on the track "Heartache Tonight" from The Long Run. Glenn Frey, the Eagles' founding member, remembered that they were stuck for lyrics and called Bob Seger for help. Seger contributed to the song, earning a writing credit. This indicates that in the industry, writing credits are often granted based on the contribution and collaboration involved.
Some Levels of Credit in the Industry
The extent of credit given for songwriting can vary widely. Some songwriters believe that anyone who lends a hand, even a single word, should be credited for a song. Others, influenced by legal or personal disputes, might claim more than they deserve, leading to later litigation. Conversely, some producers and session musicians, like George Martin for The Beatles and Allan Klein for The Rolling Stones, can also contribute significant musical and legal aspects but are often overlooked in the final credits. The Destroyer album by Kiss is a prime example where the producer was credited as a songwriter due to his influence on the band's sound.
The Beatles' Impact on Music Publishing
The Beatles#39; approach to songwriting credits was unique in the music publishing industry. While George Martin was as essential to the band as a producer, his contributions were not typically recognized in the same manner as the songwriting credits for the band members. This pattern continued until the band's legal breakup, when the publishing rights were divested. Allan Klein, as the manager and owner of the rights, played a crucial role in the eventual dissolution of The Beatles, reflecting the complex nature of music publishing and royalties.
Reflections and Lessons
The varying treatment of songwriting credits among The Beatles and The Eagles provides a fascinating case study in the evolution of the music industry. While it's admirable to acknowledge all contributors, the practical realities of studio dynamics and legal precedents can sometimes lead to discrepancies in recognition. Understanding these nuances helps in evaluating the value of a songwriter's contribution and the importance of open communication within musical collaborations.