Catalyzes the formation of CoA esters of trans-cinnamic acid, 4-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, benzoic acid and caffeic acid. (E)-4-coumarate + ATP + CoA = (E)-4-coumaroyl-CoA + AMP + diphosphate (E)-caffeate + ATP + CoA = (E)-caffeoyl-CoA + AMP + diphosphate ATP + benzoate + CoA = AMP + benzoyl-CoA + diphosphate (E)-cinnamate + ATP + CoA = (E)-cinnamoyl-CoA + AMP + diphosphate (E)-ferulate + ATP + CoA = (E)-feruloyl-CoA + AMP + diphosphate kcat is 0.847 sec(-1) with trans-cinnamic acid as substrate (PubMed:22649270). kcat is 1.488 sec(-1) with 4-coumaric acid as substrate (PubMed:22649270). kcat is 3.645 sec(-1) with caffeic acid as substrate (PubMed:22649270). kcat is 2.39 sec(-1) with ferulic acid as substrate (PubMed:22649270). kcat is 0.0007 sec(-1) with benzoic acid as substrate (PubMed:22649270). kcat is 0.487 sec(-1) with CoA as substrate (PubMed:22649270). Optimum pH is 8.5 with cinnamic acid as a substrate. Phenylpropanoid metabolism; trans-cinnamate biosynthesis. Phytoalexin biosynthesis; 3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene biosynthesis; 3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene from trans-4-coumarate: step 1/2. Monomer. Mostly expressed in flower organs, with highest levels in corollas, and, to a lesser extent, in tubes, sepals, pistils, stamen and ovaries (PubMed:22649270). Also present at low levels in leaves (PubMed:22649270). Circadian-regulation with peak levels occurring late afternoon (e.g. 3 to 7 pm). Normal benzenoid scent profile in flowers. Belongs to the ATP-dependent AMP-binding enzyme family.