Artists object to Trump using their songs: Celine Dion, Isaac Hayes’ estate

NEW YORK (AP) — In the turbulent world of politics and music, a few notes hitting the wrong ears can create a crescendo of controversy. Recently, a video featuring Celine Dion’s iconic “My Heart Will Go On” was showcased at a Trump campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana. The response from Dion’s team was prompt, emphasizing that this use was unauthorized and firmly stating that Celine Dion does not endorse this or similar activity. Their statement added a touch of incredulity, questioning the selection of that specific song.

Dion is far from alone in voicing such objections. Before the 2020 election, a multitude of artists—including Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Phil Collins, Pharrell, John Fogerty, Neil Young, Eddy Grant, Panic! at the Disco, R.E.M., and Guns N’ Roses—demanded that Trump stop using their music at his events. Even the estates of late music legends like Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty, and Prince have expressed disapproval. Prominent British artists, including the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Adele, have also joined the ranks of those objecting to Trump’s song choices.

Despite this, Trump has found a few musical allies. Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood, known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA,” have given their approval. Additionally, “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People reverberated through the air at a September rally in Asheville, North Carolina.

The outcry continues to grow. Since the 2020 election, more artists have raised their voices. The Smiths’ “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” was played at Trump events in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Laconia, New Hampshire. Johnny Marr, the band’s guitarist, took to social media to express his disbelief and demanded an end to its use. David Porter, a co-writer of Sam and Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Coming,” reacted similarly when the song was used at an NRA rally in 2022. Furthermore, Isaac Hayes’ family has threatened legal action for multiple unauthorized uses of the same song between 2022 and 2024.

Legally, artists can object to their songs being used in political campaigns, but the situation is complicated. Most recognizable music falls under the purview of performing rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI, which offer licenses allowing political campaigns to use songs from their catalogs without negotiating with each individual artist. If a political license is acquired, an artist can object to its use, prompting the song to be pulled from the license. However, political campaigns don’t always honor these requests promptly.

The issue extends beyond typical public performance licenses, which permit venues to play copyrighted music, adding additional layers of complexity to the debate.

It’s not just restricted to Trump; even Barack Obama, while campaigning in 2008, faced similar objections. Sam Moore, of Sam and Dave, asked Obama to stop using “Hold On, I’m Coming,” stressing he didn’t want it mistaken as an endorsement. Obama’s campaign complied, and later, Moore was among the performers at Obama’s Inaugural Ball.

To stop politicians from using their music, artists have a few options. They can send cease-and-desist letters, as Pharrell Williams did when “Happy” was played at a Trump rally in 2018. John Fogerty followed suit in 2020, demanding Trump stop using Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son.”

While legal actions are less common, they do happen. Neil Young sued the Trump campaign over the unauthorized use of his music, including “Rockin’ in the Free World,” although he later dismissed the case with prejudice. Eddy Grant also took legal steps after his 1980s hit “Electric Avenue” was used in a Trump campaign video mocking Joe Biden.

As political campaigns continue to use music as a tool to energize their events, the friction between artists and politicians shows no sign of abating. With each objection and every song choice, this unique clash of culture and politics offers a powerful reminder of the significant role music plays in our society and the intense sentiment it can provoke.

Source: AP