Isaac Hayes Estate Seeks $3M from Trump Over Illegal Campaign Song Usage
The Isaac Hayes Estate is taking legal action against Donald Trump, demanding $3 million in licensing fees for the unauthorized use of "Hold On, I'm Comin'" at campaign rallies.
Isaac Hayes at piano during performance
Isaac Hayes III, the late musician's son, shared a copyright infringement notice targeting Trump's campaign for using the soul classic written by Hayes and David Porter. The estate claims 134 instances of unauthorized use at campaign events over the past two years.
The family's attorney, James Walker, states that Trump "wilfully and brazenly" violated copyright law despite multiple cease-and-desist requests. If not resolved, the estate will seek $150,000 in damages per unauthorized use. The notice demands that the Trump campaign:
- Stop using the song immediately
- Remove all videos featuring the track
- Issue a public disclaimer by Friday
Hayes joins a growing list of artists and estates opposing Trump's use of their music, including:
- Prince's estate
- Sinead O'Connor's estate
- Tom Petty's estate
- Brendon Urie
- Johnny Marr
- Celine Dion
Classical columns with historic building backdrop
Related Articles
Universal Music Intensifies Push to Dismiss Limp Bizkit's $200M Royalties Lawsuit, Citing Contract Terms
