Dolly Parton’s refusal in the 1970s to give Elvis Presley a 50% publishing share for covering “I Will Always Love You” is presented as a lasting example of songwriter self-protection. Although turning down the opportunity was painful at the time, Parton retained full ownership and later benefited enormously when Whitney Houston’s 1992 version became a global hit, underscoring the long-term value of copyright control.

Industry figures argue that songwriters today face similar but more difficult choices, as artists commonly seek publishing credits for songs they did not write. Streaming has reduced writers’ income, songs often have many credited contributors, and less-established writers have limited bargaining power; advocacy groups have therefore challenged the practice of compelled credit-sharing.