A federal judge in Tennessee has denied class certification in a breach of contract lawsuit filed by two members of the 1970s pop-rock band Orleans. John Hall and Lance Hoppen accused Warner Music Group Corp. and Elektra Entertainment, its subsidiary, of underpaying royalties related to foreign digital streaming. The decision to deny class status adds a layer of complexity to the artists’ efforts to contest royalty calculations that they claim are unjust.
Hall and Hoppen aimed to represent a broader group of musicians allegedly affected by similar underpayment issues, but the judge’s refusal to certify their class action may limit their legal recourse. This case underscores ongoing tensions between legacy artists and major record labels over the handling of digital streaming revenues.
For more details on the judge’s decision and the parties involved, you can read the complete report from Law360.