The family of the late soul singer Isaac Hayes has issued a stern warning to former US President Donald Trump, demanding that he cease playing Hayes’ iconic song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at his campaign rallies. The family has threatened legal action if Trump does not comply by a certain deadline and is also seeking $3 million in licensing fees for the unauthorized use of the song.
Isaac Hayes, known for his prolific career as a soul musician and hits like “Shaft” and “Walk On By,” composed “Hold On, I’m Coming” in 1966. Despite repeated requests from Hayes’ family to stop using the song, the Trump campaign has continued to play it at rallies, prompting allegations of copyright infringement.
Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, has spoken out against Trump’s use of the song, citing the former president’s “racist rhetoric” and lack of integrity. The family’s lawyer has emphasized that the requested settlement amount is a discounted figure, considering the frequency with which the song has been played at campaign events.
This dispute adds to a growing list of musicians who have objected to the use of their music by political figures. The Beatles, Neil Young, Adele, and others have issued cease-and-desist orders to politicians, with varying degrees of success in stopping the unauthorized use of their songs.
While campaigns are required to obtain licenses for music use, artists and publishers can request their music be removed from the list. However, enforcement of these requests can be challenging, with legal battles often resulting in settlements rather than court proceedings.
The ongoing conflict between the Hayes family and the Trump campaign highlights the complex relationship between music and politics, as artists continue to assert their rights over the use of their creative works in the public sphere.
