Recommendations of the Editorial team
Isaac Hayes’ estate has one private agreement with Donald Trump after he sued the president and his campaign over the unauthorized use of the 1966 soul classic “Hold On, I’m Coming” at campaign events. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. But the estate had previously asked for $3 million.
In court documents, the estate accused Trump of personally selecting the song and playing it at least 133 times without permission.
The lawsuit, filed in 2024, also alleged that the campaign recorded and distributed videos featuring the song despite objections from Hayes’ heirs.
Allegations and lawsuit history
“Donald Trump represents the worst in integrity and class with his disrespect and sexual abuse of women and racist rhetoric,” the musician’s son, Isaac Hayes III, wrote in a social media post on X, which was no longer online on Monday. “We will now take care of this very quickly.”
On Monday, the estate filed a voluntary withdrawal in federal court in Georgia. In a statement, representatives of the estate said the lawsuit was “amicably resolved.” The family is “satisfied with the result”.
Significance of the agreement
“This resolution represents more than just the conclusion of a legal matter,” the statement said. “It reaffirms the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and copyrights, particularly in relation to legacy, ownership and the responsible use of creative works.”
The statement continued that Isaac Hayes Jr., who died in 2008, “devoted his life to his craft” and his contributions to music and culture remained of lasting value. As guardians of his legacy, the family remains committed to ensuring that his work is respected and appropriately protected.
Protection of legacy
The family also said it is proud to have “advanced a broader discussion about intellectual property rights and the obligation to respect creators and their estates,” according to the statement signed by Isaac Hayes III, president of the estate.
Lawyers for Trump did not immediately respond to a ROLLING STONE request for comment. Trump had previously tried to have the lawsuit dismissed. But a judge sided with the estate and allowed the proceedings to proceed. Hayes wrote, recorded and released the Stax Records classic with the duo Sam & Dave.
Lawyers’ reactions
“On behalf of the Law Office of Brittney R. Dobbins and our team at Walker & Associates, we are honored to have represented Isaac Hayes III and the estate of Isaac Hayes Jr.. We are pleased that this matter has been resolved. We have no further comment,” probate attorney James L. Walker Jr. said in a statement to ROLLING STONE.
