Trump keeps dancing despite artists’ outrage over using their songs

The Village People’s “YMCA” often resonates at Donald Trump’s rallies, prompting attendees to groove. Interestingly, while the disco group hasn’t opposed this, other artists have openly criticized the use of their music during the former president’s 2024 campaign events.

Issac Hayes’ estate recently threatened legal action against Trump for using Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin,” a song co-written by Hayes. His son, Isaac Hayes III, posted a copyright infringement notice on Instagram, showing that their attorney, James Walker, demanded $3 million in licensing fees from Trump’s campaign.

“Donald Trump epitomizes a lack of integrity and class, not only by using my father’s music without permission but also through his history of sexual abuse against women and his racist rhetoric,” Hayes III wrote. “This behavior will no longer be tolerated, and we will take swift action to put an end to it.”

Hayes isn’t alone in this battle. Celine Dion and Sinéad O’Connor’s estate have also expressed discontent with Trump using their music. However, some artists, like Lee Greenwood and Kid Rock, have supported Trump and allowed their music to be played at his events.

Trump has faced several legal challenges over the unauthorized use of music. Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” faced scrutiny when Trump used it at a rally. Dion’s management and record label issued a statement emphasizing that the use was unauthorized and not endorsed by her.

Similarly, Sinéad O’Connor’s estate demanded that Trump stop playing “Nothing Compares 2 U” at his rallies, emphasizing that O’Connor would have been “disgusted, hurt, and insulted” by its use.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Trump used “Purple Rain” at a Minneapolis rally, angering Prince’s estate. They released a statement reminding Trump that he had previously agreed not to use Prince’s music.

Tom Petty’s family also took action when Trump used “I Won’t Back Down” at a 2020 rally in Tulsa. A statement from Petty’s family condemned the campaign’s use of the song and highlighted their stance against racism and discrimination.

Johnny Marr of The Smiths voiced his disapproval after seeing Trump use “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” at a 2023 rally. Marr demanded that the campaign stop using the band’s music immediately.

Linkin Park sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trump after he shared a video with their song “In the End.” The band made it clear that they did not endorse Trump or authorize the use of their music.

John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival also objected to Trump’s use of “Fortunate Son,” stating that his song was not meant to promote Trump’s campaign.

Neil Young filed a lawsuit against Trump for using “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk” at rallies without permission. Young expressed his discontent with Trump’s use of his music.

Pharrell Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after Trump played “Happy” at a political event. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler also took action when Trump used “Livin’ on the Edge” at a rally. Tyler’s legal team emphasized that Trump’s actions created a false impression that Tyler endorsed Trump’s presidency.

The Rolling Stones threatened legal action when Trump repeatedly used “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” at his rallies. They warned Trump to stop using their songs or face a lawsuit for unauthorized use.

Phil Collins issued a cease-and-desist order after Trump played “In the Air Tonight” during a rally. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco responded harshly on social media when Trump used “High Hopes” at a 2020 rally, demanding the campaign stop using his band’s music.

Rihanna also sent a cease-and-desist notice when her song “Don’t Stop the Music” was played at a rally. Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose opposed Trump’s use of “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” calling out Trump for exploiting licensing loopholes.

Michael Stipe of R.E.M. issued a cease-and-desist notice when Trump used “Everybody Hurts” and “Losing My Religion” at campaign events. Stipe emphasized that the band did not approve of Trump’s use of their music.

Elton John voiced his disapproval when Trump used “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer” as warm-up music during his 2016 rallies. John made it clear that he did not want his music associated with any political campaign.

The ongoing battle between musicians and Trump’s campaign highlights the significance of music rights and the legal ramifications of unauthorized use. While some artists willingly offer their music, many are opposed to their work being used to endorse political messages they don’t support.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The beats go on: Trump keeps dancing as artists get outraged over his use of their songs

Source: USA Today, Particlenews