As delegates joyfully cast their ceremonial vote for Vice President Kamala Harris to be their presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night, a dancing DJ played a new song for each state from the stage.
DJ Cassidy, the Californian in the electric blue suit, stole the show.
Cassidy Podell, 43, returned to the DNC stage Tuesday, 12 years after becoming the first disc jockey to perform at the quadrennial convention. He also DJed at the last DNC in 2020, an all-virtual event due to the pandemic, where Cassidy performed in his trademark wide-brimmed hat and colorful suit jacket from home.
In a video posted earlier to Instagram, Cassidy gave a shout-out to singer Patti LaBelle, who kicked off the night with a rendition of “You Are My Friend.”
Cassidy has frequently performed for celebrities, including DJing at Beyoncé and Jay Z’s wedding. He also composed the soundtrack for the Obama family’s birthday parties.
With images of Cassidy spinning and dancing on stage and Lil Jon rapping in the aisles of the convention hall, the Democratic Party tried to upend the roll call of votes Tuesday.
And some listeners thought it was great.
“Loved that DJ Cassidy played authentic music for each state during the DNC call,” Magic Johnson posted on X. “He did a great job tonight!”
The musical choices created a celebratory atmosphere among the thousands of delegates gathered at the United Center and reflected some interesting choices. For Harris’ home state of California and the last state to vote for delegates, Cassidy played a medley of hits: Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode” featuring Snoop Dogg; “California Love” by 2Pac and Dr. Dre; and Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” and “Not Like Us.”
Some songs were entirely appropriate, featuring musicians from their home states. Others resonated strangely because the message of the lyrics didn’t align with Democratic values. Some selections struck an inspiring tone about the prospect of electing a woman of color to the highest office in the land. Others were completely absurd.
Here is a selection of songs and artists chosen by different states and categories.
Associations that made sense:
Arkansas — Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop,” a reference to President (and former Arkansas Governor) Clinton, who used it as his campaign song in 1992.
Idaho — “Private Idaho” by the B-52s. That’s it.
Minnesota — “Kiss” and “1999” by Prince, a native of the state who launched his music career there and remained a resident even after achieving worldwide fame.
New Mexico — “Confident” by Albuquerque-born Demi Lovato.
Pennsylvania — “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men and “Black & Yellow” by Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa.
Titles and/or artists that made sense but whose message seemed bland:
Alabama — “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Although the title contains the state’s name, the lyrics were a response to a Neil Young song that decried the legacy of slavery in the Jim Crow South. The song was particularly incongruous because the state’s Democratic leaders spoke of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement before announcing their delegates’ vote for Harris.
New Jersey — “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen. The Boss is a native son, but while the title of this song may seem like a patriotic anthem, the lyrics are about a young man sent to fight in Vietnam and his trials and tribulations once he returns home.
