Who wrote Y.M.C.A.?

A trial is due to begin this week to establish who wrote 24 of the Village People’s songs including Y.M.C.A.

Original band member Victor Willis won a court ruling in May 2012 to reclaim the rights to his share of the group’s songs. His royalty payments were due to increase from a 12-20% rate as a result, but he claims that as one of two songwriters, he is entitled to a 50% share.

However, Billboard reports that publishers Scorpio Music and Can’t Stop Productions believe Willis is only due a 33% share, pointing to copyright registrations indicating a third author, Henri Belolo.

The publishers say the songs were originally French and were adapted by Willis, while Willis insists Belolo did not contribute significantly to the songs in question.

Witnesses are set to include Willis’s ex-wife and former Cosby show actress Phylicia Rashad and former secretary Hope Grossbard, as well as Village People founding member Felipe Rose and studio drummer Russell Dabney.

Source: Music Week