Crist Apologizes For Using Talking Heads Song

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ROBERT SIEGEL, Host:

And now, a lawsuit that brings together the musical and the political. In last year's Republican primary for the Florida Senate seat, former Governor Charlie Crist alleged that his opponent Marco Rubio was on the road to nowhere.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "ROAD TO NOWHERE")

TALKING HEADS: (Singing) We're on a road to nowhere, come on inside.

SIEGEL: That song, by the rock group Talking Heads, was featured in one of Crist's ads. When Talking Heads singer David Byrne learned that Crist had used his music, he sued him for $1 million.

: I sincerely apologize to David Byrne for using his famous song, and his unique voice, in my campaign advertisement without his permission.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "ROAD TO NOWHERE")

HEADS: (Singing) Well, we know where we're going, but we don't know where we've been.

: Charlie Crist pledged that in the event of any future election campaigns, he will respect the rights and copyrights of artists, David Byrne or otherwise.

HEADS: I'm feeling very manly after my trip to Tampa.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "ROAD TO NOWHERE")

: (Singing) We're on a road to nowhere.

: You're listening to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, from NPR News.

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