Tom Waits expressed strong opposition to commercial endorsements, particularly when his music or voice was used without permission. Frito-Lay used a song similar to Waits’ “Step Right Up” in a commercial, causing Waits to sue for false endorsement and voice misappropriation. The court ruled in Waits’ favor, awarding him $2.6 million in damages. The case highlighted the importance of protecting a celebrity’s voice and image from unauthorized use in commercial contexts. Despite the legal victory, Waits humorously mentioned that he spent the settlement money on candy, showing his nonchalant attitude towards the financial outcome.
http://tomwaitslibrary.info/biography/copyright/frito-lay/