Music legend sues Trump committee for using song during Youngstown rally
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When it comes to President Donald Trump, music legend Neil Young doesn’t have a “Heart of Gold.”
Young filed a $10 million federal lawsuit against Trump's campaign committee for the unauthorized use of his song "Rockin' in the Free World" during the Republican president's rally in Youngstown.
The lawsuit states Young's song was played just prior to Trump taking the stage at the Oct. 12 rally at the Covelli Centre and played it "numerous times at other rallies designed to encourage Republican votes in the upcoming midterm elections."
When the song played at the rally, a reporter for The Vindicator tweeted: "I doubt Neil Young would be pleased that 'Rockin' in the Free World' is blaring at a Donald Trump rally."
The lawsuit states Trump "is now and at the time of all rallies this year was personally aware that a license would be required to play the song at rallies and that Young has not, and would not, grant the required license. In 2020, Young sued another corporation formed by Trump, Donald J. Trump for President Inc., for copyright infringement of 'Rockin' in the Free World' along with another song written by Young ('Devil's Sidewalk'). Donald J. Trump for President Inc. asserted no defense and immediately settled shortly after it was served, promising that it would never again use 'Rockin' in the Free World' without a license and permission from Young."
Young has been a frequent critic of Trump.
In the lawsuit, Young's attorney called the 1989 song: "A blistering anthem that contrasts the hollow promises of American political rhetoric with the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless and forgotten. The lyrics paint vivid street-level portraits - a mother discarding her baby, addicts lost in despair, garbage piling in the shadows of prosperity - while the repeated chorus delivers a savage irony, celebrating freedom that clearly isn't shared by all. In short, the song is the opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for."
As a solo performer, Young is best known for songs such as “Heart of Gold,” “Old Man,” “After the Gold Rush,” “Cinnamon Girl,” and “Like a Hurricane.” He also played with Buffalo Springfield, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Shortly after the Ohio National Guard opened fire on students at Kent State University in 1970, Young wrote the protest song “Ohio” that CSNY recorded and released.
Young is not the only musician to sue over Trump's use of his music at rallies. Jack White and the estate of Isaac Hayes also previously filed lawsuits. Several other musicians have filed cease-and-desist letters demanding Trump and his committees stop the unauthorized use of their music at his events.