(867-5309) Jenny, They've Got Your Number in a Legal Battle

SignOnSanDiego.com ^ | May 20, 2007 | ASSOCIATED PRESS

[DogByte6RER]

Jenny, they've got your number in a legal battle

ASSOCIATED PRESS

May 20, 2007

LINCOLN, R.I. – One-hit wonder Tommy Tutone made the phone number 867-5309 famous in the band's 1982 hit single, which uses the digits over and over in its catchy refrain.

Now, a Rhode Island company and a national firm are battling over the right to use the number, which doesn't reach the “Jenny” that Tutone sings about but could find callers a decent plumber.

Two years ago, Gem Plumbing & Heating of Lincoln, R.I., trademarked the phone number from the song, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Gem acquired the number in Rhode Island when its original owner, Brown University, gave up 867-5309 after growing weary of the constant prank calls.

Gem's number works in the 401 area code in Rhode Island and the 617 area code in southern Massachusetts.

But Florida-based Clockwork Home Services, also a plumbing company, uses a toll-free version of 867-5309 in New England. They argue that a company can only trademark a vanity number, like 1-800-FLOWERS.

Gem won round one in its legal fight when a federal judge in Boston barred Clockwork from using the number, effective last week. Clockwork's lawyers said they would appeal.

Tommy “Tutone” Heath said he'd prefer if neither company used the number.

[DogByte6RER]

Here's a fun blast from the past.

I remember this one-hit-wonder song well when I was a high school senior in '82.

In fact...Tommy Tutone appeared live and played 867-5309 when I went to Disneyland Grad Nite in June 1982.

[DogByte6RER]

[monkapotamus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu4TP7yC5FQ

[DogByte6RER]

Fun 867-5309 links:

http://www.876-5309.com/ (The “867-5309/Jenny” Awareness Center)

http://www.snopes.com/music/songs/8675309.asp (Snopes Urban Legends: Jenny 867-5309)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/867-5309

[DogByte6RER]

Even though this looks like it was performed in the past few years (they all look old, like me!) thanks for the trip down memory lane...

[I still care]

You know, there’s probably a real market for that number in “escort services”...

[FReepaholic]

Anytime I'm asked for my phone number at Circuit City and other retail stores I give them 867-5309.

The young clerks have no clue but the old ones will smile.

[DogByte6RER]

Here’s the original:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqUPApCUt90

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

I worked with Tommy Heath’s dad back in the eighties - my brush with fame!

[DogByte6RER]

I’ve heard that some “escort service” once tried to do just that.

Maybe this too is another urban myth.

Anyways...while I am at it, I might as well post the lyrics up on this thread too:

“Jenny Jenny who can I turn to

You give me something I can hold on to

I know you’ll think I’m like the others before

Who saw your name and number on the wall

Jenny I’ve got your number

I need to make you mine

Jenny don’t change your number

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Jenny Jenny you’re the girl for me

You don’t know me but you make me so happy

I tried to call you before but I lost my nerve

I tried my imagination but I was disturbed

Jenny I’ve got your number

I need to make you mine

Jenny don’t change your number

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

I got it (I got it) I got it

I got your number on the wall

I got it (I got it) I got it

For a good time, for a good time call

Jenny I’ve got your number

I need to make you mine

Jenny I’ve called your number

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Jenny Jenny who can I turn to

(Eight six seven five three oh nine)

For the price of a dime I can always turn to you

(Eight six seven five three oh nine)

Eight six seven five three oh nine

Eight six seven five three oh nine

five three oh nine...”

[Viking2002]

I was a freshman in college when it came out - I remember this one well. The summer of '82 was an absolute blast. I actually had a good job, a revolving list of girlfriends, and a dependable crew of drinking buddies. Here's a few more from that year: SHAKE IT UP, The Cars. JACK AND DIANE, John Cougar. HEAT OF THE MOMENT, Asia. HOT IN THE CITY, Billy Idol. KIDS IN AMERICA, Kim Wilde. WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND, Loverboy (now, there was an anthem!). EDGE OF SEVENTEEN, Stevie Nicks. PRETTY WOMAN, Van Halen. ..I RAN (So Far Away), A Flock Of Seagulls. EYE IN THE SKY, The Alan Parsons Project. ABRACADABRA, The Steve Miller Band. Man, at 19, it was good to be me. :-)

[monkapotamus]

Cool thanks

[barb-tex]

Another Phone Number song that predates every one here is the old Glen Miller song,Pennsyvania 6-5000. or 5 oh,oh,oh.
Barbra ann

[Glenn]

Glen Miller

Two 'n's in Glenn.

Though his birth name was Alton Glen Miller.

[Larry Lucido]

Ping

[GATOR NAVY]

The summer of '82 was an absolute blast.

I was in boot camp at Recruit Training Center Orlando, FL. Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" comes to my mind. We didn't have much access to music but it sure seemed like that song was always playing.

Man I hated that song. Still do.

[Viking2002]

I feel your pain - I was in basic at Ft. Sill in '83. My Walkman and about a dozen cassettes were the only music I had access to for a while. The Police's 'Ghost In The Machine' and Rush's 'Moving Pictures' pretty much got worn out that fall. LOL Good albums, though.