Madeleine Peyroux’s Ex-lover Sets The Record Straight

Further to Gigwise’s report on jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux earlier this week, her former lover, William Galison has contacted us directly to have his say.

Gigwise reported that Peyroux had not only been declared missing  by her Universal record label – but was also being sued $1 million by Galison – who claimed to have discovered Peyroux singing in a bar seven years after the release of ‘Dreamland,’ her debut album. Our report found that Galison alleged to have co-funded a seven track album entitled ‘Got You On My Mind’ in 2003, which Peyroux used to secure her deal with Universal... and that he was now suing Madeleine on the basis that he rediscovered and nurtured her talent.

Galison himself contacted Gigwise to say that he never claimed to have ‘discovered’ Peyroux . He simply heard her singing for tips in a bar in 2002, recognised her talent, realised that she was ‘broke’ and ‘destitute,’ so let her move into his apartment.

In February 2003, Galison and Peyroux recorded the first seven songs of the CD ‘Got You On My Mind,’ on which Galison produced, arranged, mixed and financed the recording and performing on every tune. He claims to have ultimately spent over $60,000 on the album while Peyroux spent less than $2,000.

Galison states that Peyroux’s ex-lawyer, Jeffrey Greenberg, fabricated claims of physical abuse against Galison in order to release Peyroux from obligations to tour with Galison and to deny him ownership of ‘Got You On My Mind.’

Galison states: ”Greenberg told Rounder Records that GYOMM was a "demo" owned by Madeleine, and that I was merely an "accompanying musician" with no rights to sell the CD.”

”Through intimidation and disinformation Rounder and Greenberg have largely succeeded in keeping GYOMM off the market.”

”Rounder's PR department has based it's whole publicity campaign on Madeleine Peyroux's 'Mysterious reappearance'. Her 'reappearance' was no more mysterious than her recent 'disappearance'.”

Galison concludes: “that is why I’m suing Greenberg and Rounder records. Sadly, I was forced to sue Ms. Peyroux, because she has chosen to collaborate with these unscrupulous parties…my decision to sue has nothing to do with ‘thwarted ambition’… My only desire is to be allowed to commercialize the CD I produced, and to make a living from making music. What Rounder and Greenberg have done is a potential threat to all independent musicians and labels, and to all music lovers.  I am standing up to these thugs.”

Phew! The debacle rages on…