Isaac Hayes Estate Issues Ultimatum to Trump Over Unauthorized Song Use

Photo Courtesy: Concord

The estate of Isaac Hayes, the legendary singer songwriter, has issued a stern warning to former President Donald Trump and his campaign over the repeated, unauthorized use of the iconic song "Hold On I'm Coming" at political events.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Isaac Hayes III, the son of the late artist, accused Trump and his campaign of infringing on the family's copyright of the song 134 times between 2022 and 2024. The family, represented by Walker & Associates, is demanding a payment of $3 million in licensing fees by Aug. 16, 2024, or they will pursue further legal action.

“We the family of @isaachayes Isaac Hayes Enterprises, represented by Walker & Associates, are suing @realDonaldTrump and his campaign for 134 counts of copyright infringement for the unauthorized use of the song ‘Hold On I’m Coming’ at campaign rallies from 2022-2024. We demand the cessation of use, removal of all related videos, a public disclaimer, and payment of $3 million in licensing fees by August 16, 2024. Failure to comply will result in further legal action,” Hayes III wrote.

Isaac Hayes, who passed away in 2008, co-wrote the song with David Porter as part of the Stax Records catalog. The track was made famous by the soul duo Sam & Dave. However, the song has recently become a staple at Trump’s campaign rallies, including a recent appearance in Montana, which, according to Hayes III, was the latest of the alleged infringements.

We the family of @isaachayes Isaac Hayes Enterprises, represented by Walker & Associates, are suing @realDonaldTrump and his campaign for 134 counts copyright infringement for the unauthorized use of the song “Hold On I’m Coming” at campaign rallies from 2022-2024.

We demand… pic.twitter.com/GOBLz7ejYL

— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) August 11, 2024

The use of the song at the Montana rally particularly rankled Hayes' family, as it coincided with the anniversary of Hayes' death. Following the rally, Hayes III took to social media to express his frustration, stating that the family had repeatedly requested Trump cease using the song and that they were now prepared to take swift legal action. Hayes III did not mince words, calling Trump a representation of "the worst in integrity and class with his disrespect and sexual abuse of women and racist rhetoric."

On the day following the Montana rally, Hayes III posted a copy of the notice of copyright infringement sent to Trump and his campaign, emphasizing that despite repeated requests, Trump had continued to use the song. The notice, issued by the family's legal representatives, outlined four key demands that must be met by Aug. 16.

Late singer and songwriter Isaac Hayes Estate has filed a demand for Trump to stop playing his favorite song that he dances to at rallies, and pay $3 Million for illegally using the song over 100 times. pic.twitter.com/3cCgf6JlmQ

— Parthiban Shanmugam (@hollywoodcurry) August 12, 2024

Trump and his campaign must immediately cease using "Hold On I'm Coming" and any other intellectual property belonging to Hayes’ family or Isaac Hayes Enterprises. All videos featuring the song must be removed from Trump’s websites, his campaign’s online platforms, the Republican National Committee's channels, and any other affiliated entities. The Trump campaign must issue an official statement publicly disavowing any endorsement or authorization from the Hayes family for the use of the song. A $3 million licensing fee must be paid to the Hayes estate, which the family describes as "very discounted" given the extent of the alleged infringement. Should the campaign fail to meet this demand, the family intends to pursue damages of $150,000 per unauthorized use, as stipulated by copyright law.

"Please be advised that failure to respond or delay in complying with these demands will be deemed evidence of intentional infringement, and we will have no choice but to proceed against all those involved, accordingly," the notice warns, expressing hope for a swift and amicable resolution.

This incident is not an isolated case in Trump’s history of unauthorized music use. Over the years, several artists, including Neil Young, Adele, Aerosmith, The Beatles and Prince, have voiced their objections to their music being played at Trump’s events without consent.

Most recently, Celine Dion's management team expressed outrage over the unauthorized use of her song "My Heart Will Go On" at the same Montana rally. A post from Dion's official X account declared, "In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use... And really, THAT song?"