Rosa Parks is suing OutKast over their 1998 song ‘Rosa Parks,’ claiming the song violated her publicity and trademark rights. The song was released on the album “Aquemini,” which was nominated for a Grammy, sold over two million copies, and enjoyed a long stay on the Billboard charts.
The case was dismissed in 1999 when a federal court judge ruled Outkast’s use of Ms. Parks’ name in the title was protected under the First Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court has reinstated Ms. Parks’ claim.
The lyrics do not refer to Parks by name, but the chorus does make reference to her 1955 arrest:
“Ah-ha, hush that fuss. Everybody move to the back of the bus.”
Parks’ arrest prompted a 381-day bus boycott which ultimately led to desegregation legislation in the south.
Parks wants all references to her removed from future versions of the record. http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/12/08/scotus.parks.ap/index.html
Leave a Comment