2010s
The Petty Archives

Tom Petty awarded songwriting royalties for Sam Smith's Stay with Me
By Chris Coplan
Consequence of Sound - January 25, 2015

Source: http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/01/tom-petty-awarded-songwriting-royalties-for-sam-smiths-stay-with-me/

Upon the release of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” in April 2014, a number of listeners were quick to note the distinct resemblance to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ 1989 classic "I Won’t Back Down". As it turns out, Petty’s lawyers also took notice, and the UK crooner has since agreed to pay songwriting royalties.

According to The Sun, Smith and Petty actually settled out of court back in October, but details only emerged just this weekend. The settlement reportedly included a 12.5% writing credit to both Petty and singer-composer Jeff Lynne (of ELO fame). The song’s credit on ASCAP — that’s the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers — now lists Smith, Petty, Lynne, and Jimmy Napes as the chief songwriters. 

Said one source close to the case, "When Sam’s track was originally released, it was clear to a lot of musicians that there were notable similarities between the tracks," referring specifically to melodies of the respective choruses. "After it was pointed out to Sam’s camp, they didn’t try to fight it and amicably dished out royalties. It wasn’t a deliberate thing, musicians are just inspired by other artists and Sam and his team were quick to hold up their hand when it was officially flagged."

The source went on to note the case was "done behind closed doors without any mud being slung," explaining that similar songwriting cases have turned ugly publicly.

"Stay With Me" has sold nearly four million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful singles of 2014. It’s also up for both Best Pop Performance and Record of the Year at the 2015 Grammy Awards.