Johnny Cash Estate Suing Coca-Cola For Using Impersonator In New Ad

The estate of Johnny Cash is suing Coca-Cola for allegedly illegally hiring a tribute act that makes a living impersonating the country music icon in a new advert airing between college football games in the US.

The Guardian reports that the estate has filed a case under the Tennessee Elvis Act, which took effect last year. Under the Elvis Act, a person’s voice is protected from “exploitation without consent.”

Cash’s estate has argued that while it has previously allowed the use of his music, the popular soft drink company allegedly didn’t approach them for permission for the advert.

Shawn Barker, a professional Johnny Cash impersonator, is the voice behind the ad. Cash’s estate is seeking an injunction to have the advert removed from the air, as well as damages under the Elvis Act and damages for alleged violations of consumer protections in the state of Tennessee.

The complaint alleges that Coca-Cola was “pirating” Cash’s voice in an advertising campaign “to enrich itself” and claimed that the company hadn’t asked for permission or provided any compensation to the estate.

Tim Warnock, a lawyer for the Cash estate, stated that “stealing the voice of an artist is theft” and added that the estate is filing the lawsuit to protect the voice of Johnny Cash, while sending a message “that protects the voice of all of the artists whose music enriches our lives.”

Johnny Cash passed away in September 2003 at the age of 71.

One of the best-selling music artists of all time, he has sold over 90 million records worldwide. With a sound that spanned country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel, Cash amassed major crossover appeal that earned him the honour of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.