NEW YORK (AP) β Tom Petty has earned a writing credit on Sam Smith’s megahit “Stay With Me” for its similarities to his song “I Won’t Back Down.”
Smith’s representative said Monday the publishers of Petty’s 1989 hit contacted the publishers of Smith’s song, which was one of last year’s biggest hits.
Smith and “Stay With Me” writers James Napier and William Phillips say they agree their song is similar to Petty’s song, written with Jeff Lynne. They call the similarities “a complete coincidence.”
“Stay With Me” has sold more than 3.5 million tracks and is nominated for record and song of the year at next month’s Grammy Awards, among other awards.
“Stay With Me” now lists five songwriters, including Petty and Lynne.
