This summer, several musicians appeared in arenas in Milwaukee and Chicago not only to perform but also to offer their presidential endorsements at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless The USA” when former President Donald Trump walked off the stage at the Republican National Convention last month, and Kid Rock introduced Republican presidential candidate Joe Biden. Musicians who performed live at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago include Stevie Wonder, John Legend, the Chicks and Pink.
This week, Mickey Jetton opened the first concert of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, then Lil Jon made a surprise appearance during the Democratic National Convention call of the day on Tuesday to briefly perform “Turn Down for What” and a political remix of “Get Low.” On Wednesday, Wonder gave an impassioned speech before taking to the piano to perform “Higher Ground.”
As the convention drew to a close on Thursday, The Chicks harmonized as a trio for a rendition of the national anthem before Pink took the stage for a quiet performance, singing an acoustic version of “What About Us” before Democratic nominee Kamala Harris’ speech.
Each of the national conventions, which were intended to select the presidential nominees of the respective political parties, covered different musical tones through playlists and live performances. Here's a rundown of who took the stage at the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention.
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Here are those who presented at the Democratic National Convention:
Jason Isbell: “Something More Than Free” Patti LaBelle: “You’re My Friend” Common and Jonathan McReynolds: “Fortnite” and “God Is Good” Lil Jon: “Refuse What” and “Get Low” Mickey Guyton: “All American” Stevie Wonder: “Higher Ground” Maren Morris: “Better Than If We Found Him” John Legend and Shaila E: “Let’s Go Crazy” The Chicks: National Anthem Pink: “What About Us”
James Taylor was scheduled to take the stage on Tuesday, but his performance was cancelled due to timing.
“It became clear, as the evening progressed, that there would be no time for our ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ concert with cello and voices. Perhaps the organizers could not have anticipated the wild response from the crowd at the United Center,” Taylor wrote, in part, in an Instagram post. “Anyway, sorry to disappoint.”
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DNC Artists: Pink, My Daughter Willow
On the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention, Pink put aside the bright colors and theatrics of her summer carnival tour and shared the stage with her 13-year-old daughter Willow and a group of backup singers in matching black outfits.
The quintet performed a poignant version of their 2017 single “What About Us” with only guitar accompaniment.
The star released her ninth album, “Trustfall,” last year and has been touring the world for more than a year on her Summer Carnival Tour. She recently wrapped up the European leg of the tour and began showing in North America earlier this month.
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DNC Artists: The Chicks
As Day 4 began, Natalie Maines, Marty Maguire and Emily Strayer took the stage to perform the national anthem two hours before Harris gave her final speech to formally accept the Democratic presidential nomination.
While Maines and Strayer were dressed in all black, Maguire wore a light brown jacket emblazoned with gold stars.
The Grammy-winning country singers, who angered the industry and country music fans after criticizing President George W. Bush and his administration's 2003 invasion of Iraq, also performed at the virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention.
DNC Artists: John Legend and Shayla E.
John Legend and Shaila E. headlined a lively inaugural ceremony for Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz, who formally accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president on Wednesday.
The performance was a tribute to one of the most famous singers from Walz's home state of Minnesota. Prince, wearing a shiny white jacket, sang “Let's Go Crazy” from his 1984 album “Purple Rain,” playing piano while Sheila E., wearing a white dress, accompanied him on drums.
Sheila, who had been a frequent collaborator with Prince, later stepped away to duet with Legend.
In an interview with “CBS Mornings,” which aired the morning of the show, Legend spoke candidly about his support for Harris and Wallace over Tony Dokoupil.
“You can tell from the political statements that Vice President Harris made last week when she talked about the economy, she’s not doing this for me. She’s doing this for everyday Americans,” he said. “And that’s what you need to watch and listen to, which is the concerns of everyday Americans.”
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DNC Artists: Maren Morris
Maren Morris, who started her career in country music but has since distanced herself from the “toxic parts” of the industry, released her 2020 single “Better Than We Found It” on Wednesday. At the time of its release, Morris described it as a “protest song,” and it had an accompanying music video that touched on the Black Lives Matter movement and immigration.
“I am honored to be performing at the Democratic National Convention for the first time ever,” she said in a statement to The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. “This is a moment where we, as a country, can come together and hear sensible plans for the future of women’s and LGBT rights. We can take inspiration from people’s stories and chart a safe path forward for our children.”
Morris recently told USA TODAY that she would “absolutely support Kamala in any way I can.”
“I was involved in the Biden campaign and met Kamala, who is a strong woman. I feel energized to vote. And because I live in Tennessee, I feel like this decision has a bigger impact,” she said.
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DNC Artists: Stevie Wonder
On Wednesday, Stevie Wonder addressed the Democratic National Convention audience from the podium with an impassioned speech that encouraged peace and kindness.
“As we stand between the pain of history and the promise of tomorrow, we must choose courage over complacency. It is time to stand up and go vote!” he said.
“We have to choose to be above the ugly words, the hate-filled anger, and the division that those words and anger create. And we have to keep moving forward until we are truly one people in these United States. And then we will find our higher ground.”
“Are you ready, because you know we need Kamala Harris. Yes, we do. And we need a great man like the one we have as our future vice president.”
He then took to the keyboards to perform his 1973 hit “Higher Ground” with a full band and dancers, all dressed in white.
DNC Artists: Lil Jon
During roll call at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Lil Jon represented the Georgia delegates who cast their votes for Harris with a surprise performance of “Turn Down for What” and “Get Low.”
The rapper made his way through the crowd, wearing a teal satin jacket and baggy pants, occasionally shaking hands with attendees. When he reached the Georgia section, he encouraged everyone to chant, “We ain’t coming back.”
“Vice President Harris, Governor Walz,” he shouted as the song transitioned into “Get Low.”
DNC Artists: Patti LaBelle
The Democratic National Committee played a rendition of “You Are My Friend” by Patti LaBelle on Tuesday, wearing an ivory gown trimmed with black lace, and the singer hit all the high notes with ease.
“God bless America and Kamala Harris,” Labelle said as she closed the track.
DNC Artists: Common and Jonathan McReynolds
Chicago native and Grammy, Emmy and Oscar-winning actor Common performed a rap song with gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds on Tuesday.
“I thank God for this moment in time where Kamala Harris will change the world for the better with love, hope and grace,” Common said as he released his new song, “Fortunate.”
DNC Artists: Jason Isbell
Alabama-born singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, wearing a navy blue suit over a white shirt, performed “Something More Than Free” from his 2015 album of the same name.
Before taking the stage, Isbell explained that his choice of song was inspired by thinking about “the whole concert” in an interview with The New York Times.
“I remember seeing in my house in Alabama, people had trailers with cars on the blocks, people who were obviously not doing well financially, and they were putting up signs in their yards for (George W. Bush). And I remember thinking, a lot of these people don’t even realize that they’re acting against their own interests,” he said.
“If we can convince Americans of their self-interest, we don’t have to ask them to do anything but be selfish. It’s like saying, ‘Please vote selfishly, because you’re going to end up voting for a Democrat unless you’re in the top 1%.’ That’s why I chose this song with those people in mind.”
DNC Artists: Mickey Jetton
Grammy-nominated country singer Mickey Guyton was the first to perform at the Democratic National Convention. She took the stage with “All American” from her debut studio album, “Remember Her Name.”
In 2020, Guyton made history with “Black Like Me” as the first black female solo artist to be nominated in the Country Songs category at the Grammy Awards.
“It’s so inspiring to see someone who is not only incredibly smart, but who looks like me, running for the highest office in our country,” Guyton told CNN of her participation at the Democratic National Convention. “Harris represents so much to so many people and I think she’s incredible. I never imagined I would have a woman president in my lifetime and now it seems like that’s possible.”
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RNC Artists: Kid Rock
On the third day, Kid Rock introduced Trump to the stage with a version of “American Bad Ass” that included lyrics about the former president.
“He's been my friend for the last 10 years, which is amazing, everybody loves him,” Trump said during his speech at the conference.
RNC Artists: Lee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood performed several concerts at the Republican National Convention. On Days 1 and 4, country singer-songwriter Trump introduced him and performed his hit song “God Bless The USA.”
“You will not be able to take this man down. He has courage and strength and he will be the next president of the United States,” Greenwood said.
RNC Artists: Chris Janson
Country singer Chris Janson, who also performed at the 2016 Republican National Convention, played “All American Guy” on the first night.
