The family of the late singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes is threatening to sue Trump and his campaign over the unauthorized use of the song “Hold On I’m Coming” at rallies and in campaign videos.
In a post on X, Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, stated that Trump and his campaign had violated the family and Isaac Hayes Enterprises’ copyright of the song 134 times from 2022 to 2024. Unless the family receives $3 million in licensing fees by Aug. 16, they plan to pursue legal action against the former president.
Hayes, who passed away in 2008, co-wrote Sam & Dave’s “Hold On I’m Coming” with David Porter in 1966. Despite this, Trump has incorporated the hit into his campaign playlist, with its most recent use being at a rally in Montana, according to Hayes III.
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The day after the Montana rally and on the anniversary of Hayes’ death, Hayes III posted on X that the family had repeatedly requested Trump to stop using the song and would now take swift action. He also criticized Trump for his disrespectful behavior towards women and racist remarks.
The following day, Hayes III shared a copy of the notice of copyright infringement sent to Trump and his campaign, highlighting that Trump continued to use the song at rallies despite being warned not to do so.
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… pic.twitter.com/GOBLz7ejYL
— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) August 11, 2024
The family states that this unauthorized use prompted the notice, outlining four demands that must be met by Aug. 16 before legal action ensues.
Firstly, it demands that Trump and his campaign cease using “Hold On I’m Coming” and any other intellectual property belonging to the Hayes family or Isaac Hayes Enterprises. They also require the removal of any videos featuring the song from related websites.
The notice also calls for an official statement from the Trump campaign disclaiming any endorsement from the Hayes family. Finally, it requests the $3 million licensing fee, stating that if not paid, legal action will be taken.
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This isn’t the first time Trump and his campaign have been criticized for using songs without permission. Other musicians, including Celine Dion, The Smiths, and many more, have also spoken out against Trump’s unauthorized use of their music.
