Isaac Hayes III stops Donald Trump from using his father's music
The Hayes family prove why being copyright holders matters so much for artists
After a four-year fight with Donald Trump ignoring Cease and Desist orders and warnings from BMI to stop using legendary soul singer Isaac Hayes’ music in his campaign rallies, promo videos and an NRA event, Isaac Hayes III took Trump to court. One of the songs in question, “Hold On, I’m Coming,” was co-written by Isaac Hayes and popularly known as the 1966 single from Sam & Dave.
Although Trump was warned to stop using Isaac Hayes’ music (including songwriting credits) due to copyright infringement, the former president reportedly used it 138 times.
Prior Trump videos with Hayes’ music have not totally been taken down, but at a preliminary injunction, Judge Thomas Thrash has barred Trump’s political team from further using any of his songs.
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In an upcoming trial, the Hayes family is asking for $3 million in licensing fees for the repeated use of his music between 2022 and 2024. As of now, the Hayes’ legal team is working on discovery. A trial date has not been set.
Click here to see video after the preliminary injunction.
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