About This Video
In a legal battle over copyright infringement, the estate of Donna Summer filed a lawsuit against Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign for using “I Feel Love” without authorization in their song “Good (Don’t Die),” from the album “Vultures 1.”
donna summer
Donna Summer, Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign and Summer’s Husband Bruce Sundano
The estate, led by Summer’s husband Bruce Sudano, argues that the duo was explicitly denied permission to sample the song, yet proceeded with an interpolation that featured altered lyrics sung to its melody. This action led to the temporary removal of the track from Spotify, reflecting the estate’s efforts to safeguard Summer’s legacy.
The lawsuit, initiated in California, seeks $150,000 per infringement, aiming to compensate for damages and prevent profit from the una
Background & Context
As someone who’s been in the industry for over 30 years, I’ve seen copyright disputes like this before. Donna Summer’s Estate suing Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign is a significant story because it underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property in the music industry. ‘I Feel Love’ isn’t just a song; it’s an iconic anthem that resonates with generations of music lovers. The unauthorized use of the sample in ‘Good (Don’t Die)’ is seen as a violation of this legacy. It’s a stark reminder that even big names like Kanye and Ty aren’t exempt from copyright laws.
Key Takeaways
- Copyright laws apply to everyone, even big names.
- Unauthorized sample use can lead to lawsuits.
- ‘I Feel Love’ holds significant cultural value.
- Respecting intellectual property is crucial in music industry.
- Legal battles can damage artist reputations.
About Kevin Ross
Kevin Ross is a music and broadcast industry veteran with more than
30 years of firsthand experience spanning radio programming, on-air
talent, record promotion, voice work, publishing, and digital media.
He has worked every side of the business — from the air studio to
the boardroom — and built one of the longest-running digital platforms
dedicated to Black radio and music industry coverage.
30 Plus Years In is where that experience lives on video.
