Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia If You Love Sting, Set Him Free Edition Part 1
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Oct 18, 2025 Explore the intriguing legal battle over royalties involving Sting and his former bandmates. Discover the sonic complexities behind hit songs like "Every Breath You Take" and how Sting's mastery fuses diverse genres. Delve into his impressive range of influences, from jazz to Shakespeare, showcasing his lyrical depth. Learn about the evolution of The Police, their breakthrough hits, and the personal tensions that led to their hiatus. Sting's solo journey is equally captivating, marked by continued experimentation and chart success.
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Ambiguous Hit Powers Ubiquity
- "Every Breath You Take" is both swooning and menacing, making it unusually ambiguous to listeners.
- Its ambiguity helped it become ubiquitous and made Sting exceptionally wealthy.
Copyright Favors Songwriters
- Copyright rewards songwriters more than arrangers or remixers, often ignoring the musicians who shape a song's sound.
- This legal skew explains why producers or arrangers rarely receive songwriting credit even when their sounds define hits.
Bandmates Sue Over 'Breath' Credits
- Andy Summers and Stuart Copeland sued Sting claiming they deserved arranger's fees and credit for "Every Breath You Take."
- The suit hinges on their contributions like Summers' guitar riff and Copeland's drum pattern shaping the song's enduring sound.
