Art Garfunkel Explains Why He Approved Bernie Sanders’ Use of ‘America’

[leftcoastmountains]

-snip-
Art Garfunkel issued a statement on Friday explaining why he gave his approval to the campaign of Bernie Sanders to use the Simon & Garfunkel song “America” in a new political ad.
In comments released through his publicist, Garfunkel said that he “never wanted to gain an influence on the public through my songs, and then use it for my politics. It’s bait and switch.”
But he also explained how the song is meant to have universal resonance, while it’s also relevant to current issues, including what is being talked about on the campaign trail. He cited xenophobia, and said, “Now I believe the monied interests have gone too far and have rigged the system.” Sanders’ campaign is focused on Wall Street and campaign finance corruption, and he has condemned remarks that Donald Trump has made about Mexicans and Muslims.

http://variety.com/2016/biz/news/bernie-sanders-simon-and-garfunkel-america-art-garfunkel-1201686260/

[chollybocker]

1. I don't see how Art Garfunkle has any say in the matter.

The song was written solely by Paul Simon, so the usage/performance rights belong to him and his publishing company. Art G. sang on it and co-produced the record (with Paul Simon and Roy Halee), but he has no legal rights to it (even though he refers to it as "my song&quot .

Anyhoo, GO BERNIE!

[marlakay]

2. Paul and him are very tight

I am sure Paul agreed with what he said or he wouldn't have said it.

[TeamPooka]

3. Performance rights require Garfunkel's agreement. nt

[thesquanderer]

4. Yes, I believe that's the case.

They would not need his permission to cover the song, but they would need permission to use the recording of his voice singing it.

[chollybocker]

5. Okay, but...why?

Edit: Never mind, the squanderer's point makes good sense. Thanks for replies, all.

[bvf]

8. Garfunkel.

Forgive the quibble.

[Fawke Em]

17. In the version I watched, he said Paul was on the call, too.

&feature=youtu.be

[mucifer]

6. I'm glad that Simon is at least not saying anything against Bernie.

Does anyone remember when Paul Simon and Paul Simon hosted SNL back in 1987? :

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/paul-simon-monologue/n9661

[rusty quoin]

9. It's a good one. I liked it.

[BeatleBoot]

7. Plus it may increase record sales....

[tomm2thumbs]

10. Yes, I even hear pantsuit sales are through the roof!

I think it is the same effect. Public figures do wield a lot of influence.

[Divernan]

14. Specially those nifty bright prison orange ones!

[Enthusiast]

15. Yes, if only.............

[smokey nj]

11. Buh-bye!

[Spitfire of ATJ]

12. Because it's all about MONEY. Right?

BTW: What's a "record"?

[paleotn]

13. This from a supporter of the corporate candidate?

...you're a riot, you know that?

[Fawke Em]

16. I love him so much!

As a kid, I had a crush on him and my Mom thought I was weird. She loved them, mind you, but she thought Paul was classically "cuter."

I, however, have a thing for curly hair (I have a mane of auburn curly hair myself) and his voice makes me whimper like a baby. It's like crystal: clean, bright and soaring.

That his speaking voice is deep and resonate makes it even more special.

Love, love, love Art!!