The Debate: Musicians and Donald Trump's Rallies

Every song is now protected under copyright, meaning that even if a songwriter passes away, their work remains protected for 70 years after their death. Thus, the concept of 'your copyrighted songs' is inherently redundant. However, when it comes to having a controversial political figure like Donald Trump use your songs for his rallies, the matter becomes more complex.

Many musicians have faced ethical dilemmas regarding this issue. While some are willing to authorize their songs for political events, others see a clear moral line that they cannot cross. In this article, we explore the perspectives of various musicians and the legal and ethical considerations behind authorizing their songs for use during rallies.

Donald Trump and the Power of Music

Donald Trump's rallies often feature live music, and some musicians have either given or refused permission to play their songs. This decision is not just an economic one but also involves personal and political considerations. For instance, musicians have expressed their stance by either allowing their songs to play or refusing based on their personal beliefs and ethical standards.

Championing Ethical Standards

Many musicians stay away from authorizing their songs for use during political rallies. Some refuse outright, citing ethical reasons and the moral implications of associating their work with controversial political figures. Some notable musicians who have refused include:

Ted Nugent: While a few musicians like Ted Nugent have given permission, many others have turned down such requests due to their opposition to Trump's policies and personal conduct. Kid Rock: Another musician who has given permission for his songs to be played at Trump's rallies, though his reasons for doing so are debated.

For many musicians, the decision to allow their songs to be used in this context is deeply personal and often not based solely on financial gain. Many have voiced their disappointment and even anger at the idea of their music being associated with what they see as a negative political figure.

Ethical Considerations and Legal Boundaries

While some musicians are willing to allow their songs to be used for political reasons, others are more cautious. Tina Turner, known for her powerful music and voice, has been described with a term indicating her significant absence in such situations. Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and Ray Charles's "Your'e Cheating Heart" are examples of songs that might be used under specific circumstances. However, these exceptions often involve rare and specific contexts.

Ray wrote:

"Maybe if I wrote a song titled 'The Ballad of the Treasonous Sex Offender'."

This statement reflects the complex emotions and ethical considerations involved in authorizing one's music for political events. The potential backlash and controversy mean that musicians often weigh the risks carefully.

Ray's stance goes a step further, stating:

"I wouldnt authorize any politician to use any of my songs for any purpose. I might authorize ethical companies to use my songs depending on what they’re being used for. I might also authorize non-political organizations such as charities, food kitchens etc. to use my songs. Align with any political party though and permission would be withdrawn."

This reflects a broader understanding of both legal and ethical boundaries, indicating that musicians often have nuanced views on the use of their work in different contexts.

Live Performances and Public Stances

Musicians who perform live at rallies or events often take a different stance. The fact that many musicians have allowed their songs to play at Trump's rallies does not mean they support his actions or policies. Many see their music as a form of activism and use it to reach a wider audience.

For instance, Ray's statement that he would be 'more than happy to let Donald Trump use my songs for his rallies at any time' but would not permit Joe Biden to use them is a reflection of his specific moral code. This stance emphasizes that musicians often make decisions based on their unique perspectives and the values they hold.

Overall, the decision to authorize one's music for use during political rallies is a critical one that involves balancing ethical, legal, and financial considerations. Musicians often weigh these factors carefully and may choose to support or reject such requests based on their personal and professional beliefs.