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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The son of R&B performer and songwriter Isaac Hayes says the family is suing presidential candidate Donald Trump for copyright infringement for using his music at a rally.

Isaac Hayes Enterprises is demanding the Trump campaign cease and desist using the song “Hold On I’m Coming” at rallies, make clear in a statement that the Hayes estate does not endorse Trump, and pay the company at least $3 million in licensing fees.

They say Trump’s campaign has played it 134 times across the country. 

Isaac Hayes and David Porter co-wrote “Hold On I’m Coming” at Stax Recording Studio in Memphis. The song was a major hit for Sam and Dave in 1966 and remains popular today.

In a post on X, Isaac Hayes III issued the following statement on Saturday:

“Today, on the anniversary of my father Isaac Hayes death we 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. Donald Trump represents the worst in integrity and class with his disrespect and sexual abuse of Women and racist rhetoric. We will now deal with this very swiftly.

Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3)

On Sunday, Hayes III announced via X that Isaac Hayes Enterprises, represented by Walker & Associates, are suing Trump and his campaign for 134 counts of copyright infringement for the “unauthorized use of the song “Hold On I’m Coming” at campaign rallies from 2022-2024.”

  • Copy of the Hayes’ Family Lawsuit against Donald Trump.
  • Copy of the Hayes’ Family Lawsuit against Donald Trump.

“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 Hayes Family (@IsaacHayes3)

This isn’t the first time the Trump organization has run into issues by using the Sam and Dave song. In 2022, Trump faced backlash from Hayes’ family and co-writer David Porter after “Hold On I’m Coming” was used at that year’s NRA Convention.

“Hell to the No!” Porter tweeted. “I did not and would NOT approve of them using the song for any of his purposes!”

Veronica Hayes, one of Isaac Hayes’ eleven children, told WREG by phone her family didn’t approve, either.

Hayes, who was born in Covington, died in Memphis in 2008 and is buried in Memorial Park.

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