Song about a person currently alive : what to do about it

PhMarne

Hi everyone!

I wrote a song about a retired actress who's currently alive.

Not that the song is derogatory: it's just that I'm mainly addressing this person in the song, with all due respect.

I'm considering asking this person's permission before releasing the song: is it a bad idea?

Thank you all!

Klaus_T

i don't think you have to but i am not 100% sure

birdcherry

I don't think Adam Green asked Jessica Simpson's permission when he wrote his song "Jessica"

HumanRobot

HI

I have written a few songs based on peoples behaviours sometimes - Elton john wrote candle in the wind about marilyn monroe - and I wrote "Plastic Sally " lol about a women who has had a lot of plastic surgery but she doesn't exist as such . I would tread carefully though if you are gonna put someone under the microscope.

Human Robot

PhMarne

I don't mean to be rude to the person who inspired me this song, and I'm not keen on the media exposure that goes along with lawsuits: I will definitely contact the person before releasing the song. I guess I'll have to find her public relations agent.
Thanks for your advices!

PhMarne

I understand people do have image and personality rights, so I'd better respect them, too
I don't know if a song is considered speech protected by the 1st amendment, as long as it is not offensive for the person it depicts...