Legal Controversy Swirls Around Daryle Singletary’s ‘Final Recordings’
A posthumously-released song from Daryle Singletary is the subject of a legal drama that is unfolding in Nashville.
Singletary died unexpectedly on Monday (Feb. 12) at the age of 46, leaving behind a wife, Holly, and four children. On Wednesday (Feb. 14), Platinum Records Nashville released a new song, "She's Been Cheatin' on Us," online, representing the track as some of the last recorded work of his life.
"We wanted radio and the world to hear the last recordings of Daryle Singletary," Platinum Records head Greg Hudik said in a statement. "We’re working on a fund to 100 percent benefit the family from these last recordings."
In an email to Taste of Country on Thursday (Feb. 15), Singletary's business partner, Chuck Rhodes, says the release of the song was not sanctioned by Singletary's family or any of his business associates, and that no such fund exists. He says legal action is currently underway.
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Rhodes issued the following statement:
It has come to our attention that Greg Hudik at Platinum Records Nashville has been releasing music sung by Daryle Singletary. I want to make it crystal clear that this music being released has not been approved or sanctioned by Holly Singletary, The Singletary Family, Daryle’s corporation TMF x 4, Donna Lee and Buddy Lee Attractions, Daryle’s booking agency or his attorney Wayne Halper. The recordings were “works for hire” where Daryle was paid as a demo singer. I have worked with Daryle for 21 years to uphold the musical integrity of his recordings, his song choices and his record production along with Daryle’s co-producer Greg Cole. These songs were never meant to be released as master recordings and do not reflect the Gold standard that Daryle held himself to and anybody in our immediate team that worked with him. There was also a mention by Mr. Hudik of a “fund” established with proceeds from downloads going to Holly Singletary and Daryle’s family. At this time, no such fund exists, and when established, will be sanctioned by the Singletary family and overseen by Donna Lee at Buddy Lee Attractions. A cease and desist letter has been sent to Mr. Hudik demanding the songs be taken down immediately.
Singletary was best known for '90s hits including "I Let Her Lie" and "Too Much Fun." After his sudden death, artists including Luke Combs, Walker McGuire, Travis Tritt and Charlie Daniels turned to social media to share their thoughts.
Country Stars Share Memories of the Late Daryle Singletary