The estate of Johnny Cash has filed suit against Coca-Cola, alleging the global soft drink company hired a tribute singer to imitate the late singer’s voice in a recent commercial. The “Fan Work is Thirsty Work” ad began airing in August.

In the complaint filed Tuesday in Nashville, the estate accused the brand of “pirating Johnny Cash’s voice in a nationwide advertising campaign to enrich itself — without asking for permission or providing any compensation.”

“Stealing the voice of an artist is theft. It is theft of his integrity, identity, and humanity,” wrote Tim Warnock of Loeb & Loeb, a lawyer for Cash’s estate. “The trust brings this lawsuit to protect the voice of Johnny Cash — and to send a message that protects the voice of all of the artists whose music enriches our lives.”

See Full Page