The estate of Isaac Hayes is blasting Donald Trump yet again for his latest misuse of the soul legend’s music. On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Trump kicked off his third presidential campaign, where he played one of Hayes’ classic songs, per AllHipHop.com. Later in the evening, the Hayes family revealed they were taking legal action against the former president.
“Once again, The estate and family of Isaac Hayes DID NOT approve the use of ‘Hold on I’m coming’ by Sam and Dave by Donald Trump at his 2024 Presidential announcement tonight. We are exploring multiple legal options to stop this unauthorized use,” the family tweeted.
“Hold on I’m Coming” was written for the popular soul and R&B duo Sam & Dave. The Hayes family is committed to making sure Trump stops using the icon’s song at future events.
The estate continued, “Stopping a politician from using your music is not always an easy task, but we are dedicated to making sure that Donald Trump does not continue to use “Hold on I’m Coming” by written by Isaac Hayes an David Porter in further rallies an public appearances.”
Hayes son Isacc Hayes III shared screenshots of the estate’s tweets on Instagram. “Please. He’s an absolutely vile representation of the extraordinary excellence of King Isaac Hayes,” wrote actress Erika Alexander in the comments.
Another said, “They should know better by now to clear rights to the song first… he been around this block before with unauthorized use of people’s songs. In the meantime, you look just like your Daddy…(in my auntie voice).”
A third individual suggested the Hayes family find ways to make money from Trump using the song instead. One person said, “Y’all better figure out how to get compensated for the song use. That’s just business. Get out of your feelings and get money. Seriously y’all worried about the wrong things.”
The 1966 hit “Hold on I’m Coming” was written by Hayes and accomplished singer David Porter. Both were principal songwriters and musicians at Memphis label Stax Records until its closing in the 1970s. The duo is also known for writing Sam & Dave’s civil rights anthem “Soul Man.” The track received a Grammy nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording in 1968. It was also selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2018.
Hayes’ legendary craftsmanship led to his induction into the 2002 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class. In 2005, he was inducted into the National Songwriters Hall of Fame with Porter for their work as a duo. Hayes died years later in August 2008 at the age of 65.
The Hayes family previously warned Trump about using “Hold on I’m Coming” back in May. During the National Rifle Convention in May, the former president walked off while dancing to the same song after his speech. This was also days after the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
“The estate and family of Isaac Hayes DID NOT approve and would NEVER approve the use of “Hold on I’m coming’” by Sam and Dave by Donald Trump at this weekends @NRA convention,” they wrote at the time. “Our condolences go out to the victims and families of #Uvalde and mass shooting victims everywhere.”
