Trump Camp Being Sued By Family Of Late Singer For Using Song At Rallies

Former President Donald Trump and his campaign have been sued by the family of late singer/songwriter Isaac Hayes for what it said was the unauthorized use of one of Hayes’ songs at presidential “campaign rallies from 2022-2024.”

Hayes’ family is demanding “not less than” a “$3 million payment” in licensing fees from Trump and his campaign for using the song the late singer co-wrote with David Portner in 1966 for Sam & Dave, called “Hold on, I’m Coming,” at his rallies, the Hollywood Reporter reported.

“We the family of @_isaachayes Isaac Hayes Enterprises, represented by Walker & Associates, are suing Donald Trump 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,” the official Isaac Hayes account posted on X read.

“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,” the letter added, per THR. “Failure to comply will result in further legal action.”

Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, also posted on Instagram and hit back at those he labeled MAGA/Trump Supporters whom he claimed have posted that Trump made the song “relevant.”

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. pic.twitter.com/uwbJbB32Ya

— Isaac Hayes (@isaachayes) August 11, 2024

“Music Publishing is probably the most valuable asset in music. Copyright termination returns that publishing back to the heirs of the songwriter after several years,” the Grammy winner’s son wrote.

“@_isaachayes wrote hundreds of songs and has been sampled thousands of times,” he added. “‘Hold On I’m Coming” is just one [of] multiple Isaac Hayes hits. To think that Donald Trump has anything to do with the success of a song that’s been a hit for over 58 years is laughable all the way to the bank. Hold on to your publishing.”

The Hayes’ family action was only the latest one from an artist upset about Trump choosing to use their music at his various campaign rallies. 

On Saturday, it was Celine Dion’s management team on behalf of Dion and her record label who released a statement about how her song, “My Heart Will Go On,” from the “Titanic” soundtrack, was played at the Trump-JD Vance rally in Bozeman on Friday, as previously reported.

“Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Donald Trump / JD Vance campaign rally in Montana,” the statement read.  

“In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” the statement added. “…And really, THAT song?”

Other artists who have got upset at Trump using their songs include the Rolling Stones, Rihanna, and Axl Rose, The Hollywood Reporter noted.

Related: ‘Really, That Song?’: Celine Dion Gets Mad At Trump For ‘Titanic’ Rally Music Choice