The Bush campaign abruptly stopped using the 1970s hit "Still the One" at campaign rallies today (Oct. 29) after the songwriter, no fan of the president, claimed the Republicans never got permission.
John Hall, a former Democratic county legislator in upstate New York, co-wrote "Still the One" and recorded it with his band Orleans in 1976. He complained today about the campaign playing the song at the president's events.
The cheery pop tune was played at Bush events yesterday and again today to open and close a rally for the president in New Hampshire.
"Out of deference to Mr. Hall's views, the song will no longer be played," said Bush campaign spokesperson Nicole Devenish. She said the song had been included in a catalog of music that the campaign's licensing company used to provide music for events.
Hall wrote "Still the One" with his then-wife, Johanna D. Hall. The two, as well as surviving members of the band, are supporters of Democratic candidate John Kerry and don't want their work used to promote Bush's re-election.
"I'm not just some guy that's stoned out and happened to write a song, and even if I were, it would still be a problem, because you should always ask permission to use the work," Hall said. Upon learning of the campaign's decision to pull the song, he welcomed the news and said, "It's obviously attractive as a slogan, but this election should be about content and facts."
Among Hall's concerns is that political use of the song could hurt its commercial appeal, scaring away advertisers. "Still the One" has been used by Appleby's, Burger King and the ABC network, according to Hall. He added that his band recently declined an offer of $10,000 to perform at a fund-raiser for Maryland Republicans.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
John Hall, a former Democratic county legislator in upstate New York, co-wrote "Still the One" and recorded it with his band Orleans in 1976. He complained today about the campaign playing the song at the president's events.
The cheery pop tune was played at Bush events yesterday and again today to open and close a rally for the president in New Hampshire.
"Out of deference to Mr. Hall's views, the song will no longer be played," said Bush campaign spokesperson Nicole Devenish. She said the song had been included in a catalog of music that the campaign's licensing company used to provide music for events.
Hall wrote "Still the One" with his then-wife, Johanna D. Hall. The two, as well as surviving members of the band, are supporters of Democratic candidate John Kerry and don't want their work used to promote Bush's re-election.
"I'm not just some guy that's stoned out and happened to write a song, and even if I were, it would still be a problem, because you should always ask permission to use the work," Hall said. Upon learning of the campaign's decision to pull the song, he welcomed the news and said, "It's obviously attractive as a slogan, but this election should be about content and facts."
Among Hall's concerns is that political use of the song could hurt its commercial appeal, scaring away advertisers. "Still the One" has been used by Appleby's, Burger King and the ABC network, according to Hall. He added that his band recently declined an offer of $10,000 to perform at a fund-raiser for Maryland Republicans.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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