Trump Ordered to Stop Using Isaac Hayes' Iconic Music at Rallies

Isaac Hayes' Estate Is Not Interested in Politics

In a recent cease-and-desist letter, the estate of late songwriter Isaac Hayes Jr. ordered President Donald Trump to stop using the late musician's iconic music at his rallies without permission. The Tennessee-based estate’s lawyer sent the letter to the Trump campaign last month.

Hayes Family Wants the Music to Stop

Hayes’ estate attorney, Joel A. Katz, wrote in the letter to "refrain from any further reproduction, distribution, display or derivative use of Mr. Hayes' music at any of his political events, rallies, or appearances." Trump has used many of Hayes’ songs at rallies in the past, such as “Walk On By,” “Soul Man,” and “By the Time I Get to Pheonix.”

Hayes’ Legacy Is Being Tarnished

Katz also wrote that the use of Hayes’ music at political rallies has caused "irreparable damage" to the late musician's legacy. Barbara Hayes, the late musician’s daughter and an executor of his estate, spoke to Billboard about the situation:

"My father did not want his music used for political rallies. This is a matter of principle.” "My father was not political, he was about the people. He created music for all people. He created music for people to enjoy, not to use to divide people and cause more unrest.”

This Is Not New For Trump

The letter also included that the unauthorized use of Hayes' music could "cause confusion, mistake, or deception" about the famed songwriter’s political views.

This is not the first time that Donald Trump has been accused of using music without permission. In 2020, the Rolling Stones sent the Trump campaign a cease-and-desist letter after the president used their song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" at a rally. The music of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Bryan Adams, and the estate of Prince have also been off limits to the former president.

Consequences Are Possible

The letter included that the Hayes estate is "prepared to take all necessary legal action" to stop Trump from using his music without permission. This could result in a lawsuit or further legal action against the Trump campaign.