Documentary Shows How Musician Clawed Back Rights To Number 1 Hit After Decades Of Being Paid Nothing
The recording industry has a bad reputation. It’s mostly deserved.
Richie Weeks recorded the top dance hit on the charts with “Rock Your World.” But then he became the victim of recording industry shenanigans as his label went under and the rights to his music got passed around without anyone paying him anything owed under his contract.
Taking Back The Grove details how longtime fan Jerome Derradji, who runs his own label, crossed paths with Weeks and determined to get the artist the money he deserved. What follows is a journey involving racial injustice, an executive’s “reply all” mistake, and a key provision of the 1976 Copyright Act.
Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan, one of the executive producers of the film, said:
“Growing up in NY, I was around some of the best disco music – I loved it. It inspired me. Richie, and many artists like him, helped influence the culture. What happened to Richie is an example of something that happens all of the time in the music industry. I’m really glad I can be a part of bringing his story to the world.”
Directed by Celia Aniskovich, the 32-minute film offers a bleak view of the music industry, but offers a ray of hope for artists who know their rights under the Copyright Act.
