Isaac Hayes’ estate will be taking Donald Trump to court. Trump, the Republican National Committee and National Rifle Association have all been served with a lawsuit for unlawful use of songs.
Isaac Hayes Estate’s family attorney James L. Walker, Jr. served papers on Donald Trump, the RNC, the NRA and several others who have used the family’s music illegally.
On multiple occasions, Trump used “Hold On, I’m Coming” at his political rallies without the estate’s permission. The song was written by Hayes and performed by Sam & Dave. Trump’s team used the song on Aug. 16 during the rally held at Georgia State Convocation Center in Atlanta.
“It’s weird to think you can use a copyright 134 times after being warned to stop countless times and not have to pay for the use,” Walker said. “The court hearing set for September 3 is reserved at Atlanta Federal Court.”
Isaac Hayes III, the administrator of the publishing song catalog of his father, shared thoughts on the latest court proceedings.
“After several years of asking Mr. Trump not to use our copyright or song, we were left with no other alternative than to take legal action,” said Hayes III. “We plan to hold him accountable for all of the countless illegal and unauthorized uses in violation of copyright law.”
The estate filed the lawsuit after giving Trump’s team a week to tender $3 million in damages for the unauthorized use of Hayes’ iconic song. The Trump team did not respond.
“It is ironic that Donald J. Trump Sr. is a man whose father left him a legacy of property, an incredible brand worth millions, with property worldwide,” Walker said. “But sadly, Mr. Trump does not respect or honor the legacy and intellectual property that Isaac Hayes III’s father left him.”
The seven-count lawsuit includes several charges of copyright infringement, false advertising and violation of the late singer’s right of publicity against several defendants including Trump, the RNC, Donald J. Trump For President, Inc. the NRA, the American Conservative Union Inc. and BTC., Inc.
“The use of this music not only infringes on copyright and damages the reputation of Mr. Hayes, but compromises his legacy by symbolizing a fictitious synergy of message for Donald Trump,” Walker added.
Politicians use music as a way to entertain and energize crowds at rallies. However, every political figure must ask for permission to use the music or purchase a license.
When VP Kamala Harris announced her run for president, she received permission from Beyoncé to use the 2016 hit, “Freedom.”
This story originally appeared Sept 3, 2024 at Atlanta Daily World.
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