The estate of Isaac Hayes is suing former president Donald Trump for unauthorized use of the late singer’s songs at campaign rallies.
Lawyers for Isaac Hayes Enterprises identified 134 uses of Hayes’ “Hold On, I’m Coming” at Trump rallies from 2022 to the present.
“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,” the family said in a statement, noting the dollar amount was “a very discounted fee” given how many times the song had been used.
“The normal fee for these infringements will be 10 times as much if we litigate, starting at $150,000 per use,” it said.
Trump has repeatedly been asked by bands and artists, like Adele and The Rolling Stones, to stop using their material since his first presidential campaign.
“It is most unfortunate that these artists have publicly posted on their social media and asked Team Trump and other candidates not to use their music — and yet their candidates keep using their music,” James L. Walker Jr., an attorney for Hayes Enterprises, said previously.
Celine Dion has similarly denounced the “unauthorized” use of “My Heart Will Go On” at Trump events this campaign cycle.
“Hold On, I’m Coming” was released in 1966 by R&B duo Sam & Dave. Hayes co-wrote the song with David Porter.
Hayes died in 2008; he was 65.
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