ATLANTA — The family of the late R&B legend Isaac Hayes had a strong message for Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump.
“Don’t play Isaac Hayes music, songs anymore,” said the son of Isaac Hayes, Isaac Hayes III.
“We have to take a stand that we want to separate ourselves from someone with Donald Trump’s character. This is not a political issue this is a character issue,” Hayes told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington on Tuesday.
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Hayes co-wrote the song ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’ in 1966, which was originally recorded and made popular by soul/R&B duo Sam & Dave.
Trump was seen dancing to the song at several campaign events and rallies.
“He continued to play the song multiple times after he was told not to, so that’s copyright infringement,” Hayes explained.
Inside court, team Trump argued they had every right to use the song under the Fair Use Act.
But the Hayes estate attorney said the judge recognized that team Trump did not own the license.
“He was able to tell team Trump you don’t have a license. So don’t use this music anymore. Period,” Hayes family attorney James L. Walker Jr. said.
Outside of court Washington asked Trump attorney Ronald Coleman about the decision.
“In order to avoid further litigation, on that score, we will stop playing it. It will not be used anymore,” Coleman said.
The federal judge did, however, allow the Trump campaign to keep existing videos with the song “Hold On, I’m Coming” playing on their website.
But attorneys for the Hayes estate said they plan to fight that decision.
“The underlying case in the infringement is still proceeding forward and we’re willing to take the steps needed to ensure our client the victory,” said one attorney.
“I know my father would not want that man playing his music,” Hayes III said.
Attorneys for the Hayes estate said they are seeking millions in unpaid licensing fees.
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