Isaac Hayes Estate Granted Emergency Hearing Over Trump’s Unauthorized Use of the Song

*Isaac Hayes III revealed on social media that a federal judge approved an emergency hearing for the family’s lawsuit against Donald Trump. The lawsuit claims the former president has been using Hayes’s song “Hold On, I’m Coming” without permission at campaign rallies.

We reported earlier that the estate, in collaboration with Primary Wave, a prominent music management firm, announced their intention to pursue legal action to prevent further unauthorized use of the song.

The Hayes family condemned Trump, accusing him of embodying the “worst in honesty, integrity, and class” and wanted no association with his campaign, which they claim is rooted in “hate and racism.”

“The Federal Court has granted our request for an Emergency Hearing to secure injunctive relief,” Hayes III wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Donald Trump, the RNC, Trump, Trump for President Inc. 2024, Turning Point and The NRA are required to appear in court September 3rd, 2024 at the Northern U.S. District Federal Court in Atlanta. See you in court,” he added. 

On Aug. 11, attorneys for Isaac Hayes Enterprises issued a notice of copyright infringement and warned the Trump campaign of potential further legal action due to the unauthorized use of the track at multiple rallies.

“Today, on the anniversary of my father Isaac Hayes’ death we have repeatedly asked Donald Trump, the RNC and his representatives not to use ‘Hold on I’m Coming’ written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter during campaign rallies but yet again, in Montana they used it,” Hayes III wrote on X on Aug. 10.

He added the following day, “We demand the cessation of use, removal of all related videos, a public disclaimer, and payment of $3 million in licensing fees by August 16, 2024. Failure to comply will result in further legal action.”

The iconic song “Hold On, I’m Coming,” famously recorded by soul duo Sam & Dave and released in 1966, has timeless appeal and has become an anthem of resilience and support. Over the years, the track has been appropriated by various politicians and public figures to energize their followers and set the tone at events.