Gap Band singer sues EMI, Heineken

The lead singer of U.S. rhythm and blues band The Gap Band sued EMI Music and Heineken for using a song he recorded with rapper Snoop Dogg in a commercial without his permission. Singer Charlie Wilson filed suit against Capitol Records, the American label of EMI, and the American division of Dutch brewer Heineken in federal court in Manhattan for using the song "Beautiful" in a campaign for Heineken Premium Light Beer, Reuters reported.

Portions of the recording of "Beautiful" featuring vocal performances by Wilson and rapper Pharrell Williams were licensed by Capitol Records for the commercial without permission, the suit said. The ad had been shown on American networks and on www.heinekenlight.com.

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