Why Shannon Hasn’t Received Payment for “Let The Music Play” Since 1984 | Unsung

[@AdwoaHema]

I'm so shocked. That song is a classic and still used to date.

[@gladysmccoy1725]

Sure is 💯

[@misssterling3094]

It is a party CLASSIC!! I'm upset for her :-(

[@judewilliams3911]

true that song was the jam back in the day

[@kingrollo8199]

🚶🤺🕺🏽🕴🏼 break dance music

[@topvictor34]

That's so dang shady because radio stations here in South Florida continue to play it. That's shameful.

[@kjdnyhmghfvb]

This lady has been cheated out of Millions. There has to be a way she can get in there and audit those books.

[@mdecimal]

Now I understand why it was re-recorded on Spotify

[@jmc5910]

@MsRiff4U cant be owed if you sign a contract signing over royalties, the only thing she can do is get a lawyer to get that contract changed

[@lloydhudson6463]

@@jmc5910 Exactly, and most likely, she signed a standard contract that almost never includes royalties.

[@ericthered1140]

How she get cheated....she signed it

[@derricklyles6918]

@@ericthered1140 its not what you know its who you know make in the grass with no class, they owe her for that song its being played to this day really...

[@cmclayton1986]

If she got a check for 34 thousand dollars. That means the record sold millions. I would be sick to my stomach.

[@MsLuvmusic81]

Yes the money is in ticket sales not album sales- everyone knows that by now. Or merchandising, sponsorships

[@brianalejandro5746]

MsLuvmusic81 I must be the one person who didn't 😂

[@VIdishaSpeaks3]

I will be like Martin & Gina when that Lottery didnt go as plan....damn I luv that song till this day....it wont sound the same after hearing this.....smdh

[@khaldounelbey3968]

Just to put all that in perspective, Whitney was worth around 500 million at the height of her career.

[@brianalejandro5746]

Khaldoun El Bey She was phenomenal. A talent that can never be duplicated.

[@KinToNatTuner]

Up and coming artists learn from this. Today it is worth being independent and selling your own music.

[@jumaineadams9152]

That's why I never signed with Columbia Records. I'd rather be independent than have these snakes in the industry screw up my legacy. My soul ain't for sale.

[@VeVevelles]

Somethings tell me they wont learn. History keeps repeating itself. Every unsung episode is the same story.

[@toddachilds]

Great post!!!!

[@amarumusic1]

You're sooo right... granted, you may not have the massive PR machine or financial backing, but at least you own your own material... It's a struggle, I should know...

[@jorhodes8507]

Well thanks to the internet there are so many other avenues for artists.

[@philliprhinehardt6268]

The music industry is shady.

[@jumaineadams9152]

It's run by Jewish people. Think about it.

[@sweetiebear9229]

*still- it’s getting worse

[@vinylmassacre1659]

Q-tip told it way back

[@mauriceriddick4168]

Industry rule #4080

[@mauriceriddick4168]

@@vinylmassacre1659 facts!

[@daisyb4614]

Get a attorney and make sure the attorney is not in cahoots with the label before signing anything. It’s just best to be independent.

[@iluvmyboba]

Exactly, they are notorious for being in bed with the record company.

[@partyfavors9238]

Daisy B Exactly!

[@letty4558]

Yeah, they need to hire their own Attorney, not the record companies appointed lawyer.

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

@@iluvmyboba Not everyone of them...

[@mizrelmizrel]

Right some of the lawyers work under the table with record companies, and agents. Snaky business.

[@MotivationXcelleration]

That’s a Beautiful Black Woman..... at every phase of her career- young & older she looks great!

[@mrsnrg9995]

Yes she is! Damn near no wrinkle anywhere! Skin looks so smooth! The perfect example of "Black Does not crack"!!! Yes Mam!!!!🤘

[@cocdezal]

Yeah she fine for real to this day

[@prettynikki3667]

My dad was a navy veteran who died right after retirement, Let the music play was a song he played often, When I hear the song it gives me so much comfort!

[@alfredagreen7096]

That song (Let The Music Play) was a "HUGE" hit.This is terrible, She deserves her money!!! $$$ 🤬

[@slicktom300]

SHE NEEDS TO GET HER MONEY ASAP

[@simonstuart2003]

And was sampled a lot

[@feleciahaley1274]

Let The Music Play and Give Me Tonight.....🔥🔥🔥♥️♥️♥️

[@jrule91]

@mistaeric TRUE!!!!! I don't think many people understand this!! She may have been paid a set amount for singing and that's it!!!???? But the writers are the ones who get paid!!

[@stevenwaller3295]

This song is one of the absolute greatest hits from the eighties and that genre of eccentric creativity.. The fact she hasn't gotten payed is beyond words.. I really hope she can get some legal help in this recourse because she definitely deserves to be payed for her work...

[@Auntkekebaby]

I was a backup dance for Shannon in the late 90s. She's a lovely person. This is messed up.

[@anthonysatterfield6122]

Hello. How are u

[@brianalejandro5746]

I forgot how many hits she had. She definitely had her own style/sound; when the big labels stepped in they messed up the creative process. I met her years ago and she was really nice!

[@judypeters9308]

Loved her voice! Give Me Tonight was my jam at the club. The music effects and her voice fit like root beer and vanilla ice cream.

[@karydickens7957]

Yes lawwwd! Back when music felt good and was really happy. Good memories for sure.

[@johndavis6719]

Sweet Somebody was good to

[@tashaladytee]

Right!!! Maaaan, there wasn't a day I'd be outside jumping double dutch and a Shannon song would come on. Her records were on black and and white stations in NYC... just in rotation in the clubs and she DIDN'T GET PAID???

[@rockystar7168]

Maaaannn that's my favorite song by her too!

[@mauriceriddick4168]

She still a nice looking woman after all these years. Black don't crack!

[@Davido50]

Black dont crack???

[@mateohustle]

David Klimmek what part did you not understand?

[@AmberlyKay]

She looks beautiful!

[@josephedric4081]

No the hell she doesn't. Not when she was young and not now.

[@sayitloudblcknproud]

@@josephedric4081 Yah the hell she does! Black Queen!

[@maxtheknife]

Wow! Its amazing how so many artists who had huge monster hits got scammed.

[@taleembasnight6981]

Mainly black artist

[@fnihp30]

This is because most artists lack strong business acumen and godly wisdom. Being so focus on “the bag” with no business acumen and godly wisdom is dangerous.

[@gregorylevi1826]

Not sure "scammed" is the right word if it's legal. More a lack of folks just signing a contract before having a lawyer who they trust read through it first

[@Princess-gy5kx]

fnihp30 correct. Don’t forget many of them can’t read so there you go ! At minimum they need to learn how to read. Hire a private tutor. Instead they blow up the cash 💰 and brag about the temporary bling till the bucket runs dry . So sad

[@donjohnson8120]

I wouldn't say scammed, but more like pennies on the dollar. The producers and the label are in it for the money, the artist got the fame, so it wasn't a total loss.

[@mr.burgess2575]

Whoever's reading this may God bless you. Stay strong at all times. Don't give up on whatever you're trying to do. Believe in God and stay prayed up. Also surround yourself with positive people and get negative thoughts out of your mind.

[@DreiSkins101]

STOP FISHING FOR LIKES!!!! CANT STAND PEOPLE LIKE YOU.

[@AfricanGirl]

@@DreiSkins101 🤣😂👀🍿☕

[@Qtpiejustaskyaman]

@@DreiSkins101 Don't be a Negative Nancy! Just keep scrolling. 😂

[@songcreator71]

Amen✝️🙏

[@mr.burgess2575]

@@DreiSkins101 always an internet CHAMP.

[@toya9858]

This is the reason why so many people in the music industry go independent.

[@go-goakins1489]

I saw her in concert in 84 ! It was - is still a great song 🎼🙌😎🤟

[@Mr._Moderate]

"Industry rule number 4080 Record company people are shady" - Q-Tip

[@nichelle1942]

" .... So Kids Watch Ya Back Cause I Think They Smoke Crack , I Don't Doubt It , Look At How They Act " .

[@yomamascupoftea9459]

Big facts..the conscience rappers of that time tried to warn them

[@devinpelt3757]

I was looking for this comment.

[@javennabellingerlearnsomething]

MrSwarai Yesss Classic & True rhyme but so unfortunate that people still don’t learn the business 1st!!!😮

[@debiluv4704]

Check the Rhyme.....Qtip told us!

[@clauzellblackshear380]

I’m not gonna lie that was a hit let the music play and it still is Shannon is a legend I’m so sorry that the music industry took advantage of a true talent like yourself. But Unsung respect you they know talent and good artists.

[@erickpacheco1623]

I jam to this song at least 2-3 times a week..it was way ahead of its time..her voice is amazing the beat is unstoppable

[@joebigs2064]

She is a Legend and shuld be respected as such

[@llw53one]

I remember jamming to “Let the music play” at the skating rink!

[@jos3g679]

I’m heartbroken 😔 for her. I’m one of her fan that run out to get the original vinyl. Like everyone else...to support the Artist 👨🏿‍🎤

[@Tengobaila3]

The music industry really pisses me off! Shannon and others have fallen victim to the greedy and unscrupulous. They are all around in every arena. Beware.

[@project.jericho]

Oh well, that's the way it used to work - all the time. For example, the cast of the Andy Griffith Show received royalties for exactly six reruns - in totality... Shits been playing on repeat for 60 years and no one received a dime because of the way their contract were written.

[@iwannaseeit1979]

"Industry rule #4080: RECORD COMPANY PEOPLE ARE SHADYYYYYYYY"

[@schnikta1991]

yup, Q-Tip tried to warn y'all

[@KitheCreativeArtist]

She's so beautiful and its awful what happened to her, she should get together with everyone else who was cut out of credit for that song sue the people who ripped them off.

[@sboloshis1188]

Kianavonna it pisses me off, I still listed to this song.

[@gregorylevi1826]

If she was ripped off, depends what was in those contacts she signed.

[@malcomxwassilenced7761]

Ms. Shannon's fro is glowing💪🏾🥰

[@walkingdeadlands]

I friggin love that hairstyle!

[@EternaResplandiente]

Wow that's shocking considering the song still plays at clubs. I was born '92 and I bump it after work, during work and before work

[@tammyferrell4749]

Listening to this on this beautiful mothers day 2020 let the music play

[@qolspony]

She is the Queen of "Latin" Freestyle, because out of all the songs that get played, it is this one that goes on like the energizer bunny rabbit.

[@morganmalone9535]

This is horrible... Welp, look at the record industry now... Karma...

[@jacovbtarver1713]

Yep it ain't making no money.....of you wanna listen to something go right to KZbin it's free

[@kimberlyellison7831]

@@jacovbtarver1713 True

[@alrightythen759]

So true.

[@lloydhudson6463]

@@jacovbtarver1713 True, that's why they are having artists sign 360 deals. They want a piece of all the action outside of selling physical copies which is basically dead now.

[@Unbought]

She’s still pretty.

[@mowebster9155]

We get so caught up in the game and are so super trusting; the legalities get lost. Unfortunate situation yet it will continue if we do not educate ourselves

[@iamgabrielhutchinson]

Hell, the record company was named “Emergency”. I would’ve been suspicious of everything right then and there...

[@gregorylevi1826]

LMMFAOOF 😂🤣

[@sweendawg1984]

One of the great great songs to mix and scratch. Played it everyday in 1983.

[@ninobrown6501]

"Lady Marmalade" by Patti Labelle was originally performed by The Mill Street Depot, a band from chicago. Then the musix industry happened to them. My father (RIP) was the bass player and helped write the music. He was salty for a long time. I actually heard a few a radio host give them credit on old school shows.

[@Ghoulies]

Sorry to hear about your Dad not getting what he should have. May he be at peace now. The entertainment industry is more complex and often shadier than many will ever realise. Despite having some talent (in varying degrees), big names such as Ozzy Osbourne and JK (of Jamiroquai) have often taken credit for their band"mates"/co-songwriters creations. This is pretty common knowledge, but there is so much more that frankly I'm kinda glad I personally never had to deal with! Fame is certainly not something to wish for. It's nice to be openly credited and to know that others appreciate your work and skills though. Did you follow in your Dad's footsteps musically? Play bass? God bless

[@EyESkeTch1]

Yo Shannon and that song is still a hit. Its not a year in my 49 years that goes by that i dont hear that song play somewhere... Shannon is still a legend...

[@michaelgaynor6866]

Loved the song! Stay Strong and Stay Well Everybody.

[@YellowPaint100]

Its stories like hers that make me so proud of Adele. Social media was definitely a blessing because she went platinum right out the gate.

[@NaturallyKoilyKuteness78]

Her voice is the reason I loved that song in my childhood. How dare they not pay her???!!!

[@musicworldvision802]

1 paying independent of how many sellings.She sang it as a session singer!!! She should have signed a better contract aa the promoting artist not only for singing the recording. 15 million pieces sold. Only 5 euro cent per single should already have been...15.000.000 x 0,05 = €750.000,- !!!!!!!l

[@musicworldvision802]

25 times more!!!!

[@KrisBryant99]

@@musicworldvision802 she didnt write or produce the track but performed on it.......Singers mostly get paid for touring and other endeavors when it comes to albums or songs.

[@RICKYROCKET73]

Know shannon personally she wonderful humble dowm to earth she still performs in Freestyle concerts all over the place her song also in a commercial today as well still rocks it❤🙏 my luv

[@MrVanderbilt25]

It is the same story from almost every artist that has ever done these types of documentaries. The music industry is a shit show.

[@1990758]

True so true you already know how it's going to end

[@lisashepherd3781]

OMG?!.. That song was a Big Hit!!. I still Listen to it till this Day!...Naw! they did Shannon wrong they did her wrong!!..

[@gregorylevi1826]

She did herself wrong, should have had folks she trust read those contacts first

[@toddedwards6140]

Out of high school in 1988 I had an internship with A&M records I was so excited but after a year of working in the music business I realized it is the most vile Shady ruthless business and they always rip off the talent I couldn't do it and I walked away as you can see by all these unsung shows with all these talented talented people that have been ripped off it's just so wrong in so many ways.

[@brooklynguy8744]

I don't know. The music industry has taken advantage of its artists for years. It's time for us to clean up the trash in this industry. There should be a law against abusing it's artists like this.

[@muiscnight]

They did this to black artist a lot in the day especially in the 1960's, but of course it also happened to others

[@sayitloudblcknproud]

White artists too.

[@qolspony]

"Let the Music Play" is a song recorded by American singer Shannon for her 1984 debut studio album of the same name. The song, written by Chris Barbosa and Ed Chisolm, and produced by the former and Mark Liggett, was released on October 24, 1983 as her debut single and as the lead single from the Let the Music Play album. It was Shannon's only Top 40 hit in the States. Some mark "Let the Music Play" as the beginning of the "dance-pop" era. This right here told me everything I needed to know about this song. Writers always get first royalties to a song. Than it is the producers. The artist earn their living from booking performances at various venues. So I don't see how this is unfair. ' Also, this is why many artists become producers and writers, because that is where the money is. But if you write your own song, it is likely you will receive the royalties from it. Shannon did not write or produce the music to this song. She just performed it like an employee preforms a service for their employer. They gave her a small percentage of the record sales. The rest goes to the record producers, musicians and writers. I know this is not what you want to hear, but it is a reality. Lets look at Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. Whitney Houston sang all the songs that was written by someone else. But Bobby Brown has written a lot of his songs. So any commercial or activity that uses his songs, pays him royalties. Whitney unfortunately, will never receive any royalties, because she did not write or produce any of her songs. That's just life.

[@talkingsurvivalwithinspiri2090]

Still one of my favourites to this day in 2024 especially when I'm working out.

[@myqueenimagivemydumassopin6841]

SHE'S STILL BEAUTIFUL!!!❤

[@mjg239]

It hits different when, in 2020, you find out Shannon got paid $34,000 way back in 1984 for a classic song that sold millions while David Geffen is “in quarantine” in a $50+ million dollar yacht 🛥 and posting it on Instagram.

[@barrywilliams9059]

That's a shame. Shannon needs those checks from her hit. Take it from artists like Stevie Wonder, Prince RIP, Ray Charles RIP. Own your master recordings @ write your own songs. Also control your creativity. The royalty checks will keep coming.

[@caramelhoney29]

Wow. I was born in 1984. That is so sad.

[@jmunnyrulz6175]

They’re so young and anxious to be heard publicly but forget the music industry is a business full of low life SOBs.

[@floridagator1765]

I saw her at Disney world's grad night in the spring of 1985. Great song

[@cuzitsnecessary]

This is why you have to have the right people in your corner and have your attorney working overtime to find loop holes and double check the contracts you're going to sign. So many well known artists have fallen victim to shady deals by recording companies.

[@kenalexandremeridi]

a damn shame! that record is a classic. We should start a go fund me page!

[@vernettathomas7500]

This has always been my Favorite Song! Ever! I Love you Shannon I still blast it.

[@tracyskitchenandappalachia2954]

One of the best lyrics in music. Nice beat! 🎶🎵🎵

[@denisdennis1501]

Whatta shame a great song has not received a payment, but Shannon u are always the best. 😚

[@omarmccray3282]

Love you shannon.

[@deanrowland1509]

I listen to this song all the time! Hopefully she will get what she is owed plus! Xoxoxo

[@tanyatremble583]

Wow that's crazy. That was one of my favorite songs. We danced to it at our talent shows. Sue those involved. Praying for you Shannon❤🙏

[@sweetpeepauline]

Thank you for sharing her story, still love her music. 🙏🏽

[@TomGeek1980]

Can we please have the full episode?

[@Buildsolarhomes]

The root cause of the problem is NOT the record companies, it is the Artists who fail to GET EDUCATED IN CONTRACT LAW.

[@novalove4790]

My 9 year old loves this song! She asks me to play this song by name... That makes me sad that she isn't getting paid for it. I hear it on the radio all the time.

[@missjbad10]

Loved that song rocked it all the time, thank you Shannon.💚

[@josemnp458]

I still to this day hear her music is timeless.

[@81Nightro]

You are my Queen. My childhood started from You.

[@master_at_social_game6005]

Shannon’s number one top-heavy hit and still to this very day still rocks on it’s a damn shame how shady and evil this music industry really is before signing anything consult it to your attorney first.

[@OrdinaryG33K-SF]

"Let The Music Play" is a GREAT tune! I was just thinking about it the other day (interesting that a video about it showed up in my feed! I haven't done a search on it or anything). I'm sad to hear she got screwed on it. That tune has been an enduring hit! She should be PAID!!!

[@darkwindow7563]

We need our own Avery thing for our children in the world 👍🙂 ❤️ facts 💯🕵️

[@blackjag121]

I’m am so sorry to hear that. I love this song.

[@traceylennon1204]

It's so eerie to hear these backstories about singers who we've all thought lived these successful,without a care lifestyles because of their platinum hit songs or at least gold hit records!!

[@cilla4000]

Her hair is so beautiful

[@fishfire_2999]

Give me tonight Let the music play 2 songs I rock to this very day .

[@ladypaul7932]

Unfortunate situation that happens all the time. Shannons biggest problem NOW is she will have to pay an Attorney up front for forensic accounting which isn't cheap. Artist must NEVER forget it called 'show BUSINESS' the stage is the show and the paperwork is the business.

[@sirpoppinchuck]

I performed with Shannon here in Chicago 2012 Congess theater!!!

[@josephbrown4324]

Dear Ms. Shannon, soooo!!! sorry to hear you haven't been compensated for. Your supreme talent "Let the music play was my JAM back in '83/84. You so do deserve recognition for you contribution in the music industry. A Damn!! Shame the F@$king nerve of those record labels. May you get your's Keep on keepin on cause you can $ang girl you look fantastic today "GOD BLESS you alway's Ms. Shannon Let the music play.... Joseph Brown 3/30/2020.....

[@AfricanGirl]

love her fro. it's full n cute

[@afrosoul1369]

Nubian Queen

[@judewilliams3911]

all of her is full and cute not just her afro

[@ladygemini5967]

African Girl yesss she does

[@kwame76]

It a damn wig 🤣😂🤣

[@urmom777]

@achillies25 um

[@chrisstrickland1565]

I feel for her but the memories of her music is more than money for me thanks shannon

[@candydigga]

Can she get her royalties if a POP/R&B singer like Normani, Beyoncé etc. do a remix of the song? Because the song is still fire🔥🔥 I'll help ghostwrite

[@jaywholoveseveryone1721]

Good question. But, wouldn't the 'publisher' get the royalties? Someone chime in and answer, please!

[@ravesterj5147]

Shes still so incredibly beautiful!

[@PKOENT125]

Let The Music Play. One of the 1st songs that put Freestyle on the map

[@jims6056]

I just discovered this song recently, and I so love it!

[@guillermoadcox01]

My Hearts Divided !!

[@ericstrickland9866]

That's criminal . She should be paid millions

[@shon7425]

I was in the 4th grade going into the fifth. That was my song

[@67spankadelik]

This always seems to happen to urban artist. I hate that for her. One of my favorite records I still play to this day.

[@xtradelite903]

The reality is that most courts award the corporations, not the artists.

[@mariofan191101]

Pretty coincidental that i listened to it this morning and then saw this uploaded a week ago in my recommended

[@jzc3rd]

Its a shame how the greed of this society ruins everything...this incredible music from these very talented artists and they always seem to get robbed in the end...

[@719kai719]

Wow I need to catch up on my UNSUNG episodes. I know that song Let the Music Play was huge in the 80s.. especially in NYC..

[@alfonsoflores8795]

Wow this wakes me up and educates me on making deals that surrounds about money.

[@beers1968]

She should be paid. That song is a Classic, old School and still plays. Give Shannon the money that is owed to her. The Industry steals everything, they take advantage of people, which leads them to be ripped the off big time.!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jadewind1673]

Baby girl, money is not everything in this world. God bless girl🍃🕊🌹➕💞 God will reword every kind heart💞 in good time... .

[@jasonmitchell9622]

I am so sorry shannon and i love your song thank you