Estate of Isaac Hayes threatens legal action against Donald Trump over music use
Anthony Pidgeon / Redferns

Estate of Isaac Hayes threatens legal action against Donald Trump over music use

The family of legendary soul singer Isaac Hayes has demanded that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump stop playing Hayes’ song “Hold On (I’m Coming)” at his campaign rallies.

In a document posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday afternoon, the family also demanded that Trump and his campaign must remove all videos featuring the song, issue a statement acknowledging their lack of permission to use the song, and issue a payment of $3,000,000 to the Hayes estate. With a per usage fee of $150,000, they argue that this is a heavily discounted figure.

Attached to the document is a list of over 100 different instances of Trump using the 1966 song between 2022 and 2024. The song, written by Hayes and David Porter, was first recorded by soul duo Sam & Dave in 1966, and has since been covered by a slew of musical legends ranging from Eric Clapton to Aretha Franklin

This isn’t the first time that Trump’s use of music at his rallies has drawn the ire of musicians. Guns N’ Roses, Adele, Rihanna, Neil Young, and many more have all issued statements disavowing the former president’s use of their work. Others, including Aerosmith, Linkin Park, and The Rolling Stones have even sent cease-and-desist letters in the past.

Just last week, Celine Dion issued a statement rebuking Trump’s use of her 1997 hit “My Heart Will Go On”, stating “in no way is this use authorized and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use” adding "and really? THAT song?"

Albert Genower

London, England

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