At a civil trial in New York to determine whether he had copied Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On, pop star Ed Sheeran performed a live rendition of his hit song “Thinking Out Loud” while playing the guitar in front of a jury. Sheeran spent nearly an hour on the witness stand, discussing his entire musical career and performing portions of the disputed song.
In a federal court in New York, Sheeran was called upon to display his musical talents by performing live in front of the jury during the trial. Holding a guitar, he captivated the courtroom by performing a solo acoustic rendition of his chart-topping song “Thinking Out Loud.” The lawsuit was initiated by the heirs of Ed Townsend, who co-wrote “Let’s Get It On,” alleging that Sheeran had appropriated the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the chorus of the song for his own hit. The lawsuit claimed $100 million in compensation and a portion of Sheeran’s song royalties.
For half a century, “Let’s Get It On” has been ubiquitous in films, commercials, and music streaming services, enticing audiences with its seductive, slow-tempo melodies. The song has accumulated hundreds of millions of streams, radio plays, and plays in various media. In contrast, “Thinking Out Loud” is a Grammy-winning song of the year that presents a more mature perspective on the theme of love and sex, focusing on marriage and commitment.
Ed Sheeran’s music career
Ed Sheeran is a British singer-songwriter renowned for his emotive vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. Born in 1991 in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, Sheeran started playing guitar and composing songs from a young age. He initially performed at local bars and clubs, gradually building a fan base and gaining recognition in the music scene.
Ed Sheeran’s big break came in 2011 when he released his debut album “+”, featuring popular tracks “The A Team” and “Lego House.” The album was a commercial and critical triumph, earning him a Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist of the Year.
After his debut success, Sheeran continued to produce hit albums, including his second album “x” in 2014, which featured chart-toppers “Sing” and “Thinking Out Loud” which earned him a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance.
In 2017, Ed Sheeran released his third album “÷,” which debuted at number one in both the UK and US, popular hit singles such as “Shape of You,” “Castle on the Hill,” and “Galway Girl.” The album was a commercial and critical success
Sheeran’s success has made him one of the best-selling music artists of all time, selling over 150 million records worldwide. He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including four Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards, and an Ivor Novello Award. Sheeran has also used his influence and wealth to support various charitable causes, such as homelessness, mental health, and education.
Overall, Ed Sheeran became a music icon, adored by fans worldwide for his talent, authenticity, and generosity.
Ed Sheeran plays and sings during Copyright Trial
On Monday, the trial will begin with jury selection and opening statements in a case that pits Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” against Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” The heirs of Ed Townsend, who co-wrote the 1973 soul classic with Gaye, have sued Sheeran, claiming that his hit 2014 song bears “striking similarities” and “overt common elements” to “Let’s Get It On,” thus violating their copyright. Sheeran refuted the allegations and claimed that he had no prior knowledge of Gaye’s song before the accusation of plagiarism. Additionally, he contended that the chord progression and other elements in his song were standard in the music industry and not exclusive to “Let’s Get It On.”
In support of his argument, Sheeran was requested to perform “Thinking Out Loud” during the trial to highlight the similarities and distinctions between the two tracks. He rendered a solo acoustic version of the song, without any instrumental or vocal accompaniment, revealing his singing talent and guitar prowess before the jury.
