The estate of the late Grammy Award-winning musician Isaac Hayes has filed a federal lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of unauthorized use of Hayes’ iconic hit “Hold On, I’m Coming” at various campaign rallies. The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of Georgia, alleges 134 counts of copyright infringement and demands $3 million in licensing fees.
Isaac Hayes III, son of the legendary artist, confirmed the lawsuit on social media, emphasizing that his family never approved the use of his father’s music in Trump’s campaign. “Not in a world that Donald Trump exists, no, not at all,” Hayes III declared during an interview with New York’s HOT97, highlighting the stark contrast between his father’s values and Trump’s controversial remarks about women and minorities.
This legal action is part of a broader trend where artists and their estates are increasingly taking a stand against the unauthorized use of their work by political figures. Trump, who has faced similar legal challenges in the past, is no stranger to such disputes. In 2020, singer Eddy Grant sued the Trump campaign for using his hit song “Electric Avenue” without permission, and more recently, Celine Dion’s team condemned the campaign for playing “My Heart Will Go On” at a rally in Montana.
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The lawsuit also names other conservative organizations, including Turning Point USA, the National Rifle Association, and the American Conservative Union, all accused of using “Hold On, I’m Coming” without authorization. Hayes III clarified that his family regained copyright control over the song in March 2022 and chose to retain full ownership rather than selling the rights.
As this lawsuit progresses, it could set a significant precedent for how political campaigns handle the use of music in the future. The case underscores the importance of respecting artistic rights and could have far-reaching implications for the relationship between politics and the music industry.
This ongoing battle serves as a reminder to political figures that the unauthorized use of an artist’s work can lead to serious legal consequences, especially when it involves iconic songs that hold deep cultural significance.
