Songwriter Ernest Lee Straughter has taken Usher to court, claiming the R&B singer stole his 1998 song “The Reasons Why”, and made it into his own (#1) hit, 2004’s “Burn”.
Billboard.com reports that in August, U.S. District Court Judge Christina Snyder decided there was ample evidence showing Usher and co-writer and producer Jermaine Dupri did indeed have access to Straughter’s 1998’s song “Reasons”, while accepting a musicologist’s report that proved there were considerable similarities between the two songs. Judge Snyder also rejected a motion for summary judgment, which could mean that the case might end up in front of a jury.
Apparently the “access” Usher and Dupri had to Straughter’s song was linked to Warren G, who had worked with the men in the past, although Usher, Dupri, and their lawyers dispute the claims.
According to the defendants, Warren G had no affiliation to the creation of “Burn”. Usher also denies being familiar with Straughter’s work.
For now, Usher and Dupri’s lawyers are requesting that the judge re-examine the case, and reconsider her earlier denial of summary judgment. If their pleads are dismissed, it seems this case will meet their jury.
Straughter’s song appeared on the album No More Pain from an R&B group called Reel Tight in 1998.
