George Harrison's 'My Sweet Lord' became embroiled in controversy when it was deemed too similar to 'He's So Fine,' leading him to relinquish two-thirds of the song's rights.
The phenomenon of 'cryptomnesia' highlights songwriter's struggles with buried memories, where artists unknowingly recreate ideas that must be distinguished from intentional plagiarism.
The American music tradition often included uncredited covers, which changed with the emergence of professional songwriters in the 1940s and 1950s, fostering a culture of original compositions.
When faced with plagiarism accusations, artists must navigate their options wisely—claim cryptomnesia, negotiate fair credit, or risk asserting ignorance while facing legal scrutiny.
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