James Earl Jones once said, “my voice is for sale, my endorsement is not.” Whether it is intentional or not, fans often see the use of an artist’s music as an endorsement for the item or person.
Over the past eight years, politicians have been facing a good deal of backlash for using music they had no permission to use.
When it comes to the Republican presidential candidate, that list continues to grow.
Most recently, lawyers for Donald Trump were in court over the use of Eddy Grant’s song “Electric Avenue” which was used as a part of a campaign ad.
U.S. Southern District Court Judge John G. Koetl ruled that the Trump campaign used the song without permission; adding that using the song did not come under the fair use law. Grant sued the campaign in September 2020 and it has taken until now to be resolved. Damages to be paid have yet to be determined. In the original filing, Grant asked for a settlement of $300,000. Grant will also have his legal fees paid as a part of the settlement.
Eddy grant is just one of many musicians who have either requested or sued to have the Republican stop using their music as a part of the campaign in ads or as a part of a campaign stop/rally.
The most recent was a suit by The White Stripes for copyright infringement of “Seven Nation Army”. Jack White posted on Instagram saying, “Oh….Don’t even think about using my music you fascists. Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.) Have a great day at work today Margo Martin.”
Recently a judge in Atlanta ruled that Trump was no longer allowed to use “Hold On, I’m Comin’” by Isaac Hays. Hays’ son Isaac III posted on X saying, “we are please(d) with the decision by the court and move to the next phase of this lawsuit.” The family had filed a suit for copyright infringement; asking for a settlement of $3 million. According to the family, the song had been used 130 times.
Since the beginning of Trump’s campaign endeavours; Beyonce, ABBA, Adele, Aerosmith, A-Ha, The Animals, The Beatles, Bette Midler, Blondie, Bruce Springsteen, Celine Dion, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Earth Wind and Fire, Sir Elton John, Elvis Costello, Everlast, the Foo Fighters, Free, Guns N’ Roses, Johnny Marr, Leonard Cohen Linkin Park, Lionel Richie, Lorde, Luciano Pavarotti, Neil Young, Nickelback, Nico Vega, the O’Jays, Ozzy Osbourne, Panic! At the Disco, Sir Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, Phil Collins, Prince, Queen, R.E.M., Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Sia, Sinead O’Connor, Tom Petty, Twisted Sister, and the Village People…or their estates…have all requested, sent cease and desist orders, or have filed suits against Trump and his campaign demanding that he stop using their music.