Sony settles lawsuit by lawyer for gospel artists

(AP) Sony settles lawsuit by lawyer for gospel artists
By DAVE COLLINS
Associated Press
HARTFORD, Conn.
A Connecticut lawyer who accused Sony BMG Music Entertainment of retaliating against him for winning higher pay for gospel music artists says the company has settled a lawsuit he filed.

Stamford-based attorney James Walker Jr. sued Sony BMG in federal court in Connecticut in 2005. He said executives pressured some of gospel music’s biggest stars, including Grammy winners Hezekiah Walker, Donald Lawrence and Twinkie Clark, into firing Walker in an effort to reduce costs and retain control over the industry.

Sony and Walker notified the court of the settlement Monday, the day the trial was to begin. Terms weren’t disclosed.

A Sony spokeswoman declined to comment Wednesday.

Walker says the settlement is a victory for artists and their right to effective legal representation.