Who is Isaac Hayes? Known as the ‘inventor of modern R&B’, the late artist was also the voice of South Park’s Chef and won an Oscar for the Shaft soundtrack – but why is his family suing Donald Trump?
- Hayes was an influential Memphis musician whose work was sampled on tracks by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Destiny’s Child; he won an Oscar for the Shaft soundtrack and later turned to Hollywood
- Hayes was also a dedicated activist – now, his family is threatening the Trump campaign with legal action for the unauthorised use of one of Hayes’ songs at political rallies
Meet the man who used his voice to create change.
Why is Isaac Hayes’ family suing Donald Trump?
The Hayes family has threatened the Trump campaign with legal action over its use of the Sam & Dave song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at political rallies. Per The Guardian, Isaac Hayes III is alleging copyright infringement for use of the song, which was written by his father, Isaac Hayes, and David Porter.
The family is also demanding US$3 million in licensing fees for use of the song over the past two years. Per the publication, Trump has previously been filmed dancing to the song and used it at a rally in Montana despite the Hayes family requesting that the Trump campaign stop using the song. At the time of writing, Trump has not commented.
Isaac Hayes’ path to music
Hayes was born in rural Covington, Tennessee, in 1942, but he was raised in Memphis by his grandparents after his parents’ death, per The History Makers. According to Stax Records – the record company where Hayes would later make his name – when he was five years old, he began singing in a church choir, and learned to play the organ, flute and saxophone.
