Universal Music Group Faces Major Lawsuit
Claims of $72 Million in Unpaid Work by Industry Insider
Legal Action Traced Back to Johnny Cash’s Era
Published May 21, 2025 6:14 PM PDT
Universal Music Group is currently embroiled in a significant legal battle, initiated by a man who asserts that he collaborated with legendary music acts, including Johnny Cash, Twisted Sister, and Shania Twain. He alleges that he is owed a staggering amount of over $72 million due to unpaid services rendered throughout his career in the music industry.
According to the details of the lawsuit acquired by TMZ, the individual known as Gary Douglas Peabody claims that in 1970, Johnny Cash personally reached out to him, inviting him to New York City with the intention of signing him as either a singer or a backup vocalist and songwriter. Peabody insists that Cash was under contract with UMG at that time, which adds a layer of complexity to his claims regarding compensation.
Peabody further alleges that in 1974, Johnny Cash contacted him again, claiming that UMG owed him a remarkable sum of $25 million. Cash urged Peabody to return to New York City to collect the funds, suggesting a serious acknowledgment of the financial obligations owed to him.
In a striking turn of events, Peabody claims that in 1993, Dee Snider from Twisted Sister reached out to him, asserting that he was owed $10 million for the lyrics he contributed to the band, who were also under the management of UMG. This claim further emphasizes Peabody’s longstanding association with high-profile artists in the music industry.
Additionally, Peabody states that he provided backup lyric work remotely for UMG. He claims that the songs he contributed to generated an astonishing $100 million in revenue, highlighting the significant impact of his work within the music industry.
In a notable interaction, Peabody asserts that in 1996, Shania Twain, another prominent artist signed with UMG, reached out to him to discuss potential backup vocal opportunities. This connection suggests a continued relevance of Peabody’s skills in the evolving landscape of the music scene.
Peabody also claims that representatives from UMG contacted him in 2015, requesting his lyrical services, which he alleges he fulfilled over the phone. However, in 2017, he declined a job offer from UMG due to the lack of payment for his previous contributions, raising questions about the company’s treatment of its collaborators.
In April 2025, Peabody reportedly reached out to UMG seeking payment for his outstanding balance but has yet to receive a response. As a result, he felt compelled to file a lawsuit, asserting that he is owed a total of $72,325,000 for his extensive work.
It is important to note that Peabody has not provided any written contracts or documentation to support his claims, which may complicate his case as it moves through the legal system.
We have attempted to contact UMG for a statement regarding these allegations but, as of now, we have not received any response.
