The unmistakable rumble of Johnny Cash’s bass-baritone is at the center of a high-stakes federal lawsuit after the late singer’s estate accused Coca-Cola of deploying a Cash soundalike in a college-football season commercial—without permission and in defiance of newly strengthened Tennessee publicity laws.
Estate Says Coca-Cola “Pirated” Cash’s Trademark Voice
Filed Tuesday in Tennessee federal court, the John R. Cash Revocable Trust says Coca-Cola used a voice “identifiable and attributable” to Cash in an ad that premiered in August for the 2025 NCAA football season. Yet the company, the trust alleges, made no effort to seek consent or negotiate a license.
The trust argues that Coca-Cola improperly profited from the goodwill created by Cash’s lifelong artistry, writing:
“Coca-Cola never asked for permission or provided compensation to the humble man and artist who created the goodwill from which Coca-Cola now profits.”
Cash’s estate emphasized that it vigorously protects his legacy, including his instantly recognizable voice—one the trust calls worthy of the same respect as his image.
