10 Controversial Campaign Songs Not Endorsed by the Artist

Political campaigns blur the lines into entertainment these days, and the soundtrack associated with a candidate is often part of the package. A catchy theme song is all part and parcel of marketing the product/politician. You might remember Bill Clinton’s use of Fleetwood Mac’s Don’t Stop as his anthem. Sometimes, however, it backfires, especially if the use of the song wasn’t authorized by the artist who wrote it. It stirs up negative publicity for the candidate, as the singer/songwriter lashes out to disassociate themselves from the situation. Some even sue for copyright infringement. Here are 10 times campaign tunes came back to bite candidate.

1. Survivor Songwriters are “Risin’ Up”

Just yesterday, members of the band Survivor spoke out against the unauthorized use of their hit “Eye of the Tiger” at a rally featuring presidential candidate Mike Hukabee for Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who refused to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Jim Peterik, who co-wrote the song, was “gobsmacked” to hear his 1982 inspirational hit broadcast at the event. He made his disdain clear on Twitter, saying “I have not authorized the use of Eye of the Tiger for use by Kim Davis and my publisher will issue a C&D (cease and desist order). This does not reflect my views.” Co-writer Frankie Sullivan also chimed in with, “NO! We did not grant Kim Davis any rights to use “My Tune -The Eye Of The Tiger.” I would not grant her the rights to use Charmin!”