(E)-4-coumarate + ATP + CoA = (E)-4-coumaroyl-CoA + AMP + diphosphate Phytoalexin biosynthesis; 3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene biosynthesis; 3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene from trans-4-coumarate: step 1/2. Belongs to the ATP-dependent AMP-binding enzyme family.