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The estate of the late artist, actor, singer and songwriter Isaac Hayes spoke out in protest of the misuse of the song "Hold On, I'm Comin'" by former Republican President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA).
Trump appeared Friday May 27, at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum in Houston, Texas just three days and about 275 miles from the latest mass shooting. On Tuesday, a gunman murdered 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
The gunman used an AR-15—purchased legally shortly after turning 18 thanks to lax gun laws in Texas. NRA-ILA—part of the larger NRA organization—works to support gun rights by writing more lax gun regulations or blocking more restrictive ones at state and federal levels.
Speaking to gun rights advocates, Trump read the names—mispronouncing most—of those murdered at the school...
\u201cTrump reading the names of the victims\u201d— Acyn (@Acyn) 1653688672
...which people found in very poor taste given the event's organizer and audience.
\u201cThis is just gross. They have Trump trying to pronounce and read the names of the dead children while the NRA rings a bell. Disgusting.\u201d— Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1653688763
\u201c@ProjectLincoln @Acyn Did he throw a roll of paper towels into the classroom to help clean up the blood?\u201d— Acyn (@Acyn) 1653688672
Immediately after, the song written by Hayes and David Porter—recorded and released by R&B duo Sam and Dave in 1966—was played as Trump did a little dance on stage.
\u201cA speech where Trump read the names of the victims ends like this\u201d— Acyn (@Acyn) 1653692222
The family of Hayes were not fans of the choice.
They made their feelings known Saturday afternoon on social media, tweeting:
"The estate and family of Isaac Hayes DID NOT approve and would NEVER approve the use of 'Hold on I’m Comin’' by Sam and Dave by Donald Trump at this weekend's [NRA] convention."
"Our condolences go out to the victims and families of #Uvalde and mass shooting victims everywhere."
\u201cThe estate and family of Isaac Hayes DID NOT approve and would NEVER approve the use of \u201cHold on I\u2019m coming\u2019\u201d by Sam and Dave by Donald Trump at this weekends @NRA convention.\n\nOur condolences go out to the victims and families of #Uvalde and mass shooting victims everywhere.\u201d— Isaac Hayes (@Isaac Hayes) 1653763309
The song—alternatively titled "Hold On, I'm Coming" and "Hold On, I'm A Comin'"—begins with the lyrics:
"Don't you ever feel sad"
"Lean on me when times are bad"
"When the day comes and you're down"
"In a river of trouble and about to drown"
"Just hold on, I'm comin'"
"Hold on, I'm comin'"
Whether the song was chosen randomly or for it's message, the NRA-ILA and Trump dancing as an offering of support to victims of gun violence struck many as extremely distasteful, including Hayes songwriting collaborator David Porter .
Saturday night, Porter tweeted:
"Someone shared with me Donald Trump used the song 'Hold On I’m Coming' for a speaking appearance of his."
"Hell to the No!"
"I did Not and would NOT approve of them using the song for any of his purposes! I also know Isaac’s estate wouldn’t approve as well!"
\u201cSomeone shared with me Donald Trump used the song \u201cHold On I\u2019m Coming\u201d for a speaking appearance of his. Hell to the No! I did Not and would NOT approve of them using the song for any of his purposes! I also know Isaac\u2019s estate wouldn\u2019t approve as well! #Memphis #Music #Grammy\u201d— David Porter (@David Porter) 1653790173
People appreciate both Hayes' family and Porter speaking out even if they're unable to stop the song's use by Trump or the NRA.
\u201c@isaachayes @NRA Trump hides behind the blanket music licenses stadiums and fairgrounds purchase to play music. This license does not extend to the events in question being broadcast online and on television, and some artists prohibit their music at any political events, but Trump doesn't care.\u201d— Isaac Hayes (@Isaac Hayes) 1653763309
It was a dance on everyone of there Graves, never should have happened. Oh wait they aren't buried yet ! Something is wrong with that man and I'm not sure why people thought that was ok.
— Smiles Where (@SmilesWhere) May 31, 2022
Yeah well, many, many of us never have & never will approve of Donnie's very existence, so . . .
— Lee Littler (@LeeLittler2) May 31, 2022
\u201c@lahdidahbabee @isaachayes @BeschlossDC @NRA They need to stick with country music, Kid Rock or Ted Nugent. Leave Black music out of their foolishness.\u201d— Isaac Hayes (@Isaac Hayes) 1653763309
The Tom Petty Estate & Family sent a cease & desist to #45* for using His song, I won’t back down, At his “rally’s” …
— A.E. Bojorquez (@travi44) May 29, 2022
\u201c@OU182 @isaachayes @NRA I bet they do remember the words to \u201cJailbait\u201d.\u201d— Isaac Hayes (@Isaac Hayes) 1653763309
They have no shame.
— Derrick D. Brown 🔉 (@ddbrownradio) May 28, 2022
This is hardly the first time a musical artist or their estate took exception to Trump using their music for his MAGA rallies or other appearances.
Unfortunately, licensing is often done through the venue, allowing them to use music for a wide variety of events without specific approval on a case by case basis.