NEW YORK– Pop powerhouses, American classics, British artists and the estates of deceased legends – many musicians have objected to Donald Trump’s use of their songs at campaign events.
After a video of Celine Dion performing her hit song “My Heart Will Go On” aired at a Trump campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana last weekend, her team’s response was swift.
“This use is not authorized in any way, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” said a statement on social media. “…And really, THAT song?”
Dion joins a long list of artists who object to Trump using their songs. Ahead of the 2020 election, the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Phil Collins, Pharrell, John Fogerty, Neil Young, Eddy Grant, Panic! at the Disco, REM and Guns N’ Roses.
It also includes the estates of deceased artists, such as Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty and Prince, as well as English acts from across the pond, such as the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Adele.
However, Trump has received the cosign from a few famous musicians, including Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood, known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA.” Also heard at Trump’s rally Thursday in Asheville, North Carolina: “YMCA” by the Village People.
Since the 2020 election, several artists have objected to the use of their music at Trump rallies. The Smiths’ song “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” played at a few Trump events, including a rally in Rapid City, South Dakota last September and in January of this year at a rally in Laconia, New Hampshire. On
In 2022, David Porter, one of the songwriters behind Sam and Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Coming,” tweeted “Hell to the NO!” after hearing Trump use the song at an NRA rally (in 2017, it should be noted that Sam Moore of Sam and Dave performed “America the Beautiful” at a pre-inauguration concert for Trump.)
Fast forward to Monday, when the son of late soul singer Isaac Hayes, whose father co-wrote “Hold On, I’m Coming,” announced on social media that he and his family have threatened legal action against Trump “on 134 counts.” copyright infringement due to the unauthorized use of the song ‘Hold On I’m Coming’ during 2022-2024 campaign rallies.”
Yes, however, artists rarely have complete control over where, when and how their music is played. Performing rights groups that represent the most recognizable recorded music – ASCAP and BMI – need political campaigns to obtain licenses that allow them to use large quantities of songs from their vast catalogs.
This means that a political campaign does not have to negotiate each number used separately.
If a political license is obtained, artists can object to its use and the song will be removed from the license.
The problem, of course, is that not every campaign honors those requests immediately.
And it’s important to note that these political licenses go beyond a public performance license, allowing venues to play copyrighted music.
Continuing with “Hold On, I’m Coming”: In 2008, Moore asked former President Barack Obama, then a candidate, to stop using the song. He didn’t want it to be seen as an endorsement. They complied.
After Obama was elected president, Moore performed at the Creative Coalition’s inaugural ball alongside Sting and Elvis Costello.
They can send cease-and-desist letters, like Pharrell Williams did after his song “Happy” was played at a Trump rally in 2018. John Fogerty did the same in October 2020 over his use of “Fortunate Son.” his connection during the Trump campaign. Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Few escalate to a lawsuit, but it’s not unheard of: Neil Young filed a lawsuit in August 2020 over the Trump campaign’s use of his music, including “Rockin’ in the Free World.” He later voluntarily dismissed the case “with prejudice.” “, meaning it cannot be brought again.
Eddy Grant sued Trump in September for using his 1980s hit “Electric Avenue” in a Trump campaign animated video mocking Joe Biden.
