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?"

Boosie Badazz Concert Canceled After Deadly Shooting in Parking Lot

A night of music and celebration turned tragically violent when two men were fatally shot in the parking lot of the I29 Speedway in Pacific Junction, Iowa, just before a concert featuring rapper Boosie Badazz was set to begin.

The victims, Marcus L. Johnson, 28, and Charles A. Williams Jr., 27, both of Omaha, Nebraska, were gunned down around 9 p.m., according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The shooting occurred following a "Pull Up Car Show" held earlier in the day at the Speedway, which is also known for its 1/8-mile drag strip.

The outdoor concert, featuring Boosie Badazz alongside Rob49 and Rich the Factor, was immediately canceled. Authorities are searching for at least three suspects believed to have fled the scene in a black Mercedes sedan.

This tragic incident adds a somber note to a weekend that had already seen Boosie Badazz, whose real name is Torrence Hatch Jr., making headlines. Just a day earlier, a federal judge in San Diego dismissed a gun possession charge against the rapper.

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A post shared by Torence BOOSIE BADAZZ Hatch (@torencehatchig)

The shooting in Iowa underscores the turbulent nature of Boosie's public life, where legal troubles and violent incidents have often intersected with his career. While Hatch has built a reputation for his raw lyrics and defiant persona, the violence that sometimes erupts at his events continues to be a point of concern.

Lauryn Hill: Media Hype, Not My Health, Killed the Fugees Tour

The Fugees have canceled the North American leg of their highly anticipated reunion tour, with Lauryn Hill citing a previous injury and the negative impact of media sensationalism on ticket sales.

The tour, initially announced in September 2021 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their groundbreaking album The Score, was met with immense excitement from fans worldwide. It marked the first time the group—consisting of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel—would be performing together since their brief reunion in 2005.

However, the tour faced several setbacks from the start. It was originally postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later rescheduled to begin in November 2022. The opening night in Chicago was then abruptly canceled just hours before the show, with the group citing "unforeseen circumstances."

In an Instagram post Wednesday, Hill addressed the latest setback—the cancellation of the entire North American leg of the tour. She assured fans in the UK and Europe that their shows will go on as planned.

"With difficulty, the decision was made to pull down our upcoming North American tour dates," Hill wrote. "The shows in the UK and Europe ARE MOVING FORWARD as planned."

Hill, who rose to fame as a member of the Fugees in the 1990s and later with her critically acclaimed solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, expressed her disappointment with how some media outlets have handled news surrounding her recent injury. She believes their sensationalized coverage has contributed to declining ticket sales for the North American tour.

"Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows,” Hill explained. "Regrettably, some media outlets’ penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour."

Despite the setback, Hill remains committed to her art and the deep connection she shares with her fans. She emphasized the significance of performing, especially for audiences in the UK and Europe, who have not seen the Fugees perform together in over 25 years.

"The audiences in the UK and Europe not only haven’t seen the Miseducation Anniversary performance yet, they also haven’t seen the Fugees perform together in over 25 years!" she wrote. “Performing for my fans is a profound exchange of energy and emotion that excites me every time."

Hill also reassured her North American fans that the cancellation is not the end, but a temporary pause, as she remains hopeful that the unforeseen circumstances will be resolved.

"I appreciate your understanding,” she concluded. "We’re looking forward to performing at the shows in the UK and Europe in October — and for our fans in North America, when these unforeseen circumstances are resolved, we’ll be back in full force..."

The Fugees, known for their groundbreaking album The Score, which featured hits like "Killing Me Softly" and "Ready or Not," remain one of the most influential hip-hop groups of the 1990s.

Hill's message ends on a note of gratitude and resolve, promising that the group will return to the stage stronger than ever once the challenges are overcome.