[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PLEDGING SUPPORT FOR THE TRUTH IN ROCK ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation 
authored by my friend and colleague, Mr. Kucinich of Ohio. The Truth in 
Rock Act would protect rock and roll's early heroes from the 
victimization of imitators by changing the trademark laws that allow 
the imposters to get away with it.
  Under current trademark law, the original members of performing 
groups cannot use the names that made them famous without risking 
copyright infringement. But the original artists can be replaced by 
imposter performers who make recordings and sell concert tickets under 
their names.
  You can buy a concert ticket to see the Drifters or the Coasters 
perform this summer. You'll be surprised to see on stage performers who 
are not the original Drifters or Coasters. You won't be listening to 
the memorable voices of those legendary artists; you'll be listening to 
their imitators.
  The law allows the imposters to perform as the Drifters or the 
Coasters. Under that same law, the original members of the Drifters and 
the Coasters cannot mention their past affiliation with these bands.
  This is a widespread practice that takes advantage of recording 
artists and consumers. The Truth in Rock Act corrects this inequity by 
permitting original recording artists to seek damages from the 
imposters. More importantly, it gives the original members of rock 
bands the right to advertise their ties to the groups they founded.
  Tomorrow night I'll be joining a group of legendary recording artists 
who have been victimized by the trademark laws. These musicians are 
working hard to raise awareness on this issue and I'm proud to join 
them. They deserve the support of this Congress.

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