One of the most unusual classic rock songs of the 1960s is Donovan’s “Mellow Yellow.” After the tune became a huge hit, it inspired a soda with a similar name. Subsequently, Donovan reacted to this development.
Donovan | Evening Standard / Stringer Donovan’s ‘Mellow Yellow’ inspired a the name of a soda that didn’t use the song in ads
During a 2016 interview with Songfacts, Donovan was asked about the soda Mello Yello, which took its name from his song with a similar title. “They didn’t want me to be involved — they just wanted to take the title,” he said. Donovan revealed he “didn’t mind” that a company co-opted his phrase.
“See, you can take a title, and it’s not copyrighted unless you have made a product called ‘Mellow Yellow,'” he explained. “Coke was in rivalry with Pepsi, because Pepsi had Mountain Dew. We offered the song.
Donovan | Evening Standard / Stringer Donovan’s ‘Mellow Yellow’ inspired a the name of a soda that didn’t use the song in ads
During a 2016 interview with Songfacts, Donovan was asked about the soda Mello Yello, which took its name from his song with a similar title. “They didn’t want me to be involved — they just wanted to take the title,” he said. Donovan revealed he “didn’t mind” that a company co-opted his phrase.
“See, you can take a title, and it’s not copyrighted unless you have made a product called ‘Mellow Yellow,'” he explained. “Coke was in rivalry with Pepsi, because Pepsi had Mountain Dew. We offered the song.
- 6/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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