John Legend Accused of Stealing Songs, Legend Responds + Listen to Both Versions

A songwriter who goes by the name Anthony Stokes has filed a lawsuit against John Legend this week. He alleges that he gave Legend a demo tape of his music in 2004 which included a song titled “Where Are You Now.” Stokes says that he never heard from John Legend again but that the song “Maxine’s Interlude” which appeared on the CD “Once Again” in 2006 is very similar to the track Stokes wrote for his own demo. Fast forward to six years later, Stokes has decided to file a lawsuit against Legend. Legend is obviously denying these allegations. You can see that from the answer he tweeted to a fan who asked him about the situation. The songs do have a similar beat and similar words but how can we be sure who copied who? I’m not totally convinced but have a look at the tweets, a listen to both songs yourself and let me know what you think.

Here is Anthony Stokes “Where Are You Now”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXdWheI7TCU&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

Here is John Legend’s “Maxine’s Interlude”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BskK1EIiP0Q[/youtube]

What do you think?