1963: The Beach Boys release “Surfin’ U.S.A.”, the song that would establish them as a top recording act and really kick off the surfing craze from coast-to-coast. It turns out Brian Wilson, originally listed as the song’s composer, had simply taken Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” and come up with a new set of lyrics.
Chuck is in prison at the time. When he gets out, he is none too pleased and sues the band. As a result, Berry is granted sole songwriting credit for the song and all of the songwriting royalties in perpetuity.
