The Apologies Of Summer

DeVore and campaign staffer Justin Hart were sued after using the Henley/Campbell-penned “The Boys of Summer” and Kortchmar’s “All She Wants To Do is Dance” in his ill-fated campaign. The court rejected DeVore’s claim that the use was “parody” and a fair use and ruled the law-and-order congressman had violated the plaintiffs’ copyrights.

“We apologize for using the musical works of Don Henley, Mike Campbell and Danny Kortchmar without respect for their rights under copyright law,” DeVore said in a statement. “The court’s ruling in this case confirms that political candidates, regardless of affiliation, should seek appropriate license authority before they use copyrighted works.

“Further, we regret all inaccurate, derogatory or disparaging remarks made about Mr. Henley during the course of this dispute.”

Henley said in a statement, “My colleagues and I brought this lawsuit to protect our music from being taken and used, without permission, to promote someone else’s agenda. It was not a question of political ideology, but the right of artists to control the use of the works they create, and protect their livelihoods.”