PHOTO: JORDAN STRAUSS/INVISION/AP/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK; DARRON CUMMINGS/AP/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
As many politicians use various ways of making Americans get out and vote, using popular musicians is not out of the norm. On the other hand, many artists have sent “cease and desist” letters telling them to stop using their music. The most popular candidate, with no questions asked, is none other than Donald Trump. Especially with the message he sends with his political views while using their music in his own special way.
Since this article’s first publishing, more artists have continued to speak out against Trump using their songs.
The Updates:
Celine Dion: “My Heart Will Go On”
Earlier in August, Celine Dion spoke out against his use of “My Heart Will Go On.”
Dion shared a statement on her Instagram, saying that her management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., “became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness” of the song at the rally.
“In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use…And really, THAT song?” the statement continued.
Issac Hayes Estate: “Hold On, I’m Coming”
This Saturday, Issac Hayes III, shared on Instagram the following.
“Donald Trump epitomizes a lack of integrity and class, not only through his continuous use of my father’s music without permission but also through his history of sexual abuse against women and his racist rhetoric,” Hayes III first wrote on Instagram. “This behavior will no longer be tolerated, and we will take swift action to put an end to it.”
He has also served Trump’s campaign with a $3 million licensing fee for using the song without a proper license.
Sinéad O’Connor Estate: “Nothing Compares To U”
In March, her family became aware of Trump using “Nothing Compares to U” at rallies in Maryland & North Carolina. They then issued a statement:
“As the guardians of her legacy, we demand that Donald Trump and his associates desist from using her music immediately,” the statement said. “Throughout her life, it is well known that Sinéad O’Connor lived by a fierce moral code defined by honesty, kindness, fairness and decency towards her fellow human beings.”
Vulture’s Top 10
Here are the Top 10 according to Vulture with a quick reason as to why the artist didn’t want Donald Trump using their music.
- Neil Young – Trump gained the rights for “Rockin’ In The Free World.” Young revealed that he was a Sanders fan. With that, Trump had no authorization to use his song given his difference in political views.
- R.E.M – Trump used “The End of the World” at a rally. The band later claimed it distracted from a true campaign.
- Twisted Sister – The band realized “We’re Not Going To Take It” made Trump’s message much more heightened than necessary.
- Adele – She first let Trump use “Rolling In The Deep” until she went on to endorse Hillary Clinton.
- Elton John – Just like Adele, given John is an Englishman, he holds very different views from Trump himself.
- The Rolling Stones – The band tried to stop Trump from using their songs twice in 2016 before pursuing legal action in 2020.
- Queen – This band condemned the usage of “We Are The Champions” at the Republican National Convention.
- Pharrell Williams – Trump played Williams’ hit song “Happy” after the murder of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Williams then had his lawyer send Trump an impassioned cease and desist letter.
- Rihanna – This artist didn’t like her music being used to promote a conservative Republican agenda.
- Phil Collins – Collins wanted no affiliation with Trump after one of his songs became a satirical reference to COVID-19.
