In a rare and unusual move, Grammy-winning artist Ed Sheeran took to the witness stand in a copyright trial and performed snippets of two iconic songs by Nina Simone and Van Morrison.
Sheeran is currently facing a lawsuit from the estate of Ed Townsend, the co-writer of the song “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye. The estate claims that Sheeran’s hit song “Thinking Out Loud” copies the melody, harmony, and rhythm of “Let’s Get It On.”
During the trial, Sheeran was asked to demonstrate his creative process and the similarities between the two songs. He picked up his guitar and sang a medley of “Let’s Get It On” and “Thinking Out Loud,” but also surprised the court by performing portions of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by Nina Simone and “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison.
Sheeran’s impromptu performances wowed the courtroom and drew applause from the audience. The judge even remarked that it was the first time he had ever seen a witness perform live in a courtroom.
While Sheeran maintained that “Thinking Out Loud” was an original composition and that any similarities with “Let’s Get It On” were coincidental, the trial continues to determine whether the similarities between the two songs are enough to constitute copyright infringement.
Regardless of the outcome, Sheeran’s musical testimony was a rare treat for those present in the courtroom and demonstrated his talent and versatility as a performer.
