Richcar Music Co. v. Towns

Kupferman, J. P.,

We are here concerned with the rights in the musical composition "You’ve Got To Change Your Evil Ways”, also known as "Evil Ways”, and with the proceeds derived therefrom.

The author of the song is Clarence A. Henry, also known as Sonny Henry. He wrote it in or about 1957, appropriately enough while serving a prison sentence for second degree murder. After his release from jail (he was incarcerated at the age of 15), he worked with a band as a guitarist and music arranger. The band was under the leadership of one William Correa, professionally known as Willie Bobo. In 1967,…