Isaac Hayes III Fights to Protect Father’s Legacy from Unauthorized Use by Trump’s Campaign
In recent developments, Isaac Hayes III, son of the legendary soul icon Isaac Hayes, has taken a strong stand against the unauthorized use of his father’s music by former President Donald Trump and his campaign team. The situation has garnered significant attention as it highlights the ongoing struggle between artists and politicians over the misuse of copyrighted music at political rallies and events.
The Battle Over “Hold On, I’m Comin'”
Isaac Hayes III Takes Action
Isaac Hayes III, a respected figure in the music industry, is not just carrying forward his father’s musical legacy; he’s also fiercely protecting it. Recently, he threatened legal action against Donald Trump and his campaign for repeatedly using the 1966 classic “Hold On, I’m Comin'” without permission. This song, co-written by Isaac Hayes Sr., has been a staple at Trump rallies, used over 135 times according to Hayes III’s count.
Why This Song?
“Hold On, I’m Comin'” was the first major hit co-written by Isaac Hayes and has since become an iconic anthem. The song’s message of resilience and support has made it a favorite among many, but its association with Trump’s rallies has deeply troubled the Hayes family, especially given the controversial nature of these events.
The Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit
Copyright Infringement: A Clear Case
Under U.S. copyright law, the unauthorized use of a protected work, such as “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” can lead to serious legal consequences. Copyright protection generally lasts for 56 years from the date of publication, a period that can be extended. The rights to the song were acquired by the Hayes estate in 2022, giving them full authority to take legal action against any unauthorized use.
Isaac Hayes III, alongside attorney James L. Walker, has made it clear that they intend to file a lawsuit to stop Trump’s campaign from using the song. Walker emphasized that the case is straightforward and strongly favors the Hayes estate. He also pointed out that the song’s repeated use without permission could lead to significant financial penalties for the Trump campaign, potentially costing them billions of dollars in damages.
The Broader Implications
This case is not just about one song or one artist. It represents a broader issue of political campaigns using popular music without the artists’ consent. Over the years, numerous musicians have objected to their work being used in political contexts that they do not support. Artists like Adele, Earth Wind & Fire, Tom Petty’s estate, and John Fogerty have all taken a stand against the unauthorized use of their music by Trump’s campaign. More recently, Celine Dion publicly disavowed the use of her hit song “My Heart Will Go On” at a Trump rally.
Trump’s History of Using Music Without Permission
A Pattern of Disregard
The use of “Hold On, I’m Comin'” is not an isolated incident. Trump’s campaign has a long history of using popular songs without permission, often resulting in public statements from the artists or their estates asking him to stop. Despite these requests, the campaign has continued to use these songs, showing a pattern of disregard for copyright laws and the wishes of the artists.
Impact on the Artists
For artists and their families, this unauthorized use is not just a legal issue but also a personal one. Music is a deeply personal and often political art form, and having it associated with a political figure or movement that the artist does not support can be deeply troubling. In Hayes III’s case, the use of his father’s song at events like a National Rifle Association (NRA) rally following the Uvalde school shooting was particularly egregious. The song, which Trump danced to at the rally, was played just 300 miles from where the tragic shooting occurred, adding to the insensitivity of the situation.
The Road Ahead: Legal Challenges and Potential Outcomes
The Legal Process
Filing a copyright lawsuit is not a simple process, but Isaac Hayes III and his legal team are confident in their case. They believe that they have a strong chance of winning and securing a full takedown of the song from Trump’s campaign playlist. According to Walker, copyright law in this case is clear, and the unauthorized use of the song could lead to significant financial repercussions for the Trump campaign.
Potential Impact on Future Campaigns
This lawsuit could set a precedent for future political campaigns, making it clear that the unauthorized use of copyrighted music will not be tolerated. It could also encourage other artists to take legal action if their work is used without permission in a political context.
