A judge has ordered Donald Trump to stop playing the Isaac Hayes song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at his rallies. Trump spokesperson Ronald Coleman told reporters that the judicial ruling did not require past uses of the 1966 hit to be deleted from the internet and stated that the Trump campaign has already agreed to “cease further use.”
The singer’s son, Isaac Hayes III, recently stated that he wanted $3 million in licensing fees from the former President, who has played the song more than 150 times. After a court barred future use, he took to Instagram to celebrate, saying, “We won.” Mr. Coleman, however, told reporters that the fight is not over, and the judge will consider further motions arguing copyright ownership via an agreement with Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). A statement from the Trump campaign said it “has a license to play the music through an agreement with BMI and ASCAP.”
Isaac Hayes III has joined a long list of people objecting to their music being played at Donald Trump’s events. Among them are Swedish megastars ABBA, who issued a statement via Universal Music demanding the former President stop playing their hits, including “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and “Dancing Queen.” ABBA also insisted that video footage featuring their music be removed from all websites.
British star Adele made the same objection in 2016 after Trump played her hit “Rolling in the Deep” at a campaign event. Adele later endorsed Hillary Clinton for President.
This year, Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Celine Dion, Guns n’ Roses, and the Rolling Stones were among several artists who spoke out against Mr. Trump and his use of their music. A spokesperson for Celine Dion appeared to mock the Trump campaign for playing her song “My Heart Will Go On” at a Montana rally in August. The statement clarified that Ms. Dion did not endorse or authorize the performance at his events and ended with the question, “Really? THAT song?”
“My Heart Will Go On” was the primary theme of the 1997 hit movie Titanic.
