The iconic doo-wop hit “Love Potion No. 9” catapulted The Clovers to fame in 1959. But decades later, a legal dispute over the group’s name has surfaced, raising the question: who has the right to perform as The Clovers? This article delves into the history of the group, the legal battle, and the enduring legacy of “Love Potion No. 9.”
The Rise of The Clovers and “Love Potion No. 9”
Formed in the late 1940s in Washington D.C., The Clovers initially consisted of four members. Harold Winley joined shortly after, solidifying the quintet that would achieve widespread recognition. Their smooth harmonies and captivating stage presence led to a record deal with Atlantic Records and performances at renowned venues like the Apollo Theater.
“Love Potion No. 9,” penned by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, became The Clovers’ signature song. Its playful lyrics and infectious melody resonated with audiences, propelling the song to the top of the charts. The song’s success cemented The Clovers’ place in music history and continues to be enjoyed by generations.
A Name Worth Fighting For: The Legal Dispute
The group’s initial success waned in the 1960s, and the members eventually pursued different paths. Harold Winley and another original member, Harold Lucas, continued performing with separate groups, both using the name The Clovers. In the 1980s, Lucas’s group trademarked the name.
Following Lucas’s death in 1994, the trademark remained with two members of his group. This led to a legal battle initiated by Winley in 2014, who claimed the right to use the name based on his history with the original group. Winley alleged that the trademark holders had threatened venues booking his performances as The Clovers, resulting in canceled shows.
The core of the dispute centers around who embodies the true legacy of The Clovers. Winley argues that audiences expect to see an original member when they attend a Clovers concert. The opposing side contends that the trademark legally protects their right to use the name. Charles Stevens, a member of Lucas’s group, also disputes Winley’s claim to being an “original” member due to joining after the group’s initial formation.
The Legacy of “Love Potion No. 9” and The Clovers
Despite the legal wrangling, the music of The Clovers, and “Love Potion No. 9” in particular, continues to endure. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Searchers, whose version also achieved significant popularity. The song has also been featured in films like “American Graffiti” and even lent its name to a Sandra Bullock romantic comedy.
The legal battle over the name The Clovers highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights in the music industry. It also underscores the enduring power of a name and the emotional connection fans have with the original artists behind beloved songs. While the legal outcome remains uncertain, the music of The Clovers and their contribution to the doo-wop genre remain undeniable. The question of who truly embodies the spirit of The Clovers and “Love Potion No. 9” may ultimately be left to the listeners to decide.
