The Soundtrack to a Democratic Era: Music at the Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago provided a unique opportunity for music to play a key role in the proceedings. DJ Cassidy, a renowned DJ and music producer, was tasked with curating a playlist that would accompany each state and territory as they voted to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris for president. The result was a soundtrack that was both eclectic and representative, drawing from a wide range of genres, styles, and artists.
Compiling the Playlist
DJ Cassidy revealed that compiling the playlist took about a month, and he worked closely with each state’s delegation to find a song that captured the essence of "unity and celebration" and held personal significance to the state. While some meanings were obvious, others were more nuanced.
The Performance
The playlist performance peaked with a live performance by Lil Jon, singing "V.P. Harris … Governor Walz" to the same syncopated beat as his song "Get Low." The energy in the room was electric, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
Music and Meaning
Throughout the performance, the music was carefully curated to resonate with each state and territory. From classic rock to hip-hop, pop to R&B, the playlist featured a diverse range of artists and styles. Each song was selected for its significance to the state or territory being represented, whether it was a native-born artist, a song that was specific to the region, or simply a anthem that evoked a sense of pride and celebration.
The List of Songs
Alabama – "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Alaska – "Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man
Arizona – "Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks
Arkansas – "Don’t Stop" by Fleetwood Mac
California – "Next Episode" by Dr. Dre, followed by "California Love" by Tupac, and "Alright" and "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar
Colorado – "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
Connecticut – "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours" by Stevie Wonder
Democrats Abroad – "Love Train" by the O’Jays
District of Columbia – "Let Me Clear My Throat" by DJ Kool
Delaware – "Higher Love" by Kygo and Whitney Houston
Florida – "I Won’t Back Down" by Tom Petty
Georgia – "Welcome to Atlanta" by Jermaine Dupri, followed by "Turn Down for What" by Lil Jon and DJ Snake, and "Get Low"
Guam – "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter
Hawaii – "24k Magic" by Bruno Mars
Idaho – "Private Idaho" by the B-52’s
Illinois – "Sirius" by the Alan Parsons Project
Indiana – "Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson
Iowa – "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang
Kansas – "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas
Kentucky – "First Class" by Jack Harlow
Louisiana – "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled
Maine – "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon
Maryland – "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
Massachusetts – "I’m Shipping Up to Boston" by Dropkick Murphys
Michigan – "Lose Yourself" by Eminem
Minnesota – "1999" by Prince
Mississippi – "Twistin’ the Night Away" by Sam Cooke
Missouri – "Good Luck, Babe" by Chappell Roan
Montana – "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz
Nebraska – "Firework" by Katy Perry
Nevada – "Mr. Brightside" by the Killers
New Hampshire – "Don’t Stop Believin’" by Journey
New Jersey – "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen
New Mexico – "Confident" by Demi Lovato
New York – "Empire State of Mind" by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z
North Carolina – "Raise Up" by Petey Pablo
North Dakota – "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys
Northern Mariana Islands – "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Ohio – "Green Light" by John Legend
Oklahoma – "Ain’t Going Down (Till the Sun Comes Up)" by Garth Brooks
Oregon – "Float On" by Modest Mouse
Pennsylvania – "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men and "Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa
Puerto Rico – "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi
Rhode Island – "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
South Carolina – "Get Up" by James Brown
South Dakota – "What I Like About You" by the Romantics
Tennessee – "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton
Texas – "Texas Hold ‘Em" by Beyoncé
Utah – "Animal" by Neon Trees
Vermont – "Stick Season" by Noah Kahan
U.S. Virgin Islands – "VI to the Bone" by Mic Love
Virginia – "The Way I Are" by Timbaland
Washington – "Can’t Hold Us" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
West Virginia – "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver
Wisconsin – "Jump Around" by House of Pain
Wyoming – "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas
Conclusion
The playlist at the Democratic National Convention was a celebration of music, unity, and representation. It was a testament to the power of music to bring people together and to evoke emotions and memories. From classic rock to hip-hop, pop to R&B, the playlist featured a diverse range of styles and genres, each carefully selected to resonate with the state or territory being represented.
