When Neil Young objected to the bizarre use of his music during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign announcement, it wasn’t anyone’s first rodeo. There is a long, proud history of Republican politicians not listening to the words of songs they don’t get permission to use.
1. Springsteen objected to Reagan’s use of the song “Born in the U.S.A.” during the 1984 election.
2. Reagan also got dinged in 1984 by John Cougar Mellencamp for “Pink Houses.”
Bobby McFerrin objected to George H.W. Bush using the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” in 1988.
3. Sam & Dave objected to Bob Dole using the song “Soul Man” in 1996.
Sting offers a “rare bit of bipartisanship,” objecting to Al Gore’s use of “Brand New Day” in the 2000 election, as well as Bush’s use of “Brand New Day” in the 2000 election.