Evans v. Famous Music Corp.

OPINION OF THE COURT

G.B. Smith, J.

This action involves the interpretation of a provision in six music royalty contracts detailing the manner in which income from the exploitation of songs must be apportioned between the plaintiff songwriters and defendant Famous Music Corporation. Specifically, the question is whether the contract provision obligates Famous to share with plaintiffs certain tax savings resulting from foreign tax credits. We answer the question in the negative.

*455I.

Ray Evans, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer and Richard Whiting are legendary writers of American popular music,…