People talk 10/24/02

Judge tosses lawsuit between rock 'n' rollers

ST. LOUIS -- A federal judge has thrown out a royalties lawsuit against Chuck Berry by former collaborator Johnnie Johnson, ruling that too many years had passed since the more than 30 songs in dispute were written.

Johnson, a piano player, sued Berry in November 2000 in U.S. District Court here over royalties generated by songs written from 1955-66. They include some of rock 'n' roll's most famous songs, including "Roll Over Beethoven" and "Sweet Little Sixteen."

The lawsuit argued that Johnson and Berry were co-writers on many of the songs Berry made famous, but because Berry copyrighted them in his name alone, Johnson got none of the royalties.

Faith Hill claims top spot on album sales chart

NEW YORK -- Faith Hill has no reason to shed a tear -- her new album, "Cry," debuted at No. 1 after selling about 472,000 copies during its first week in stores, according to industry figures released Wednesday.

The country singer knocked "Elvis 30 No. 1 Hits" from the top spot on the album chart, where it has been the past three weeks.

-- From wire reports