Current:Home > reviewsWho was the DJ at DNC? Meet DJ Cassidy, the 'music maestro' who led the roll call -Excel Money Vision
Who was the DJ at DNC? Meet DJ Cassidy, the 'music maestro' who led the roll call
View
Date:2025-04-14 03:21:35
The Democratic National Convention featured a musical roll call Tuesday night, and DJ Cassidy, a Grammy-nominated performer − and now the first "musical maestro" of a convention roll call − led the event while he introduced each musical artist and state.
Cassidy, a producer from California, according to LA Times, wore a shiny blue suit, a beige hat and square sunglasses when he welcomed the crowd to the DNC's roll call as "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge played.
"Now, we're going to pass the mic from state to state so that all our voices are heard all around the nation," said Cassidy.
'Do Something!':Michelle Obama lays into Trump and rallies DNC
DNC roll call songs
When Democrat delegates announced their votes to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic runner, Cassidy played a unique song representing each state.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Tennessee delegates jammed out to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" while Texas took it to the floor with Houston-native Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em."
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul bragged about the Empire State's historical significance over Jay Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State Of Mind." California Gov. Gavin Newsom later praised the Golden State over a mashup of Tupac Shakur's "California Love" and Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us."
Another Beyoncé song, "Freedom," played as Harris made another surprise appearance, accepting the party's nomination in a live broadcast from a campaign event she and running mate Tim Walz were attending in Wisconsin.
'California Love' to 'Texas Hold 'Em':DNC honors each state with unique songs
'Truly surreal'
Cassidy took a not "normally fun or cool" political event, as described by former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, and turned it into something grand, with fun music and dancing.
"The whole night was truly surreal," Cassidy told Psaki in an MSNBC interview.
The four weeks of "meticulous" planning went into setting up the DNC roll call.
The ceremonial roll call of the delegates happened on Tuesday, the second day of the Chicago convention.
Before this year, music had never been a part of a convention's roll call, said Cassidy. And that's a fact he "really had to wrap his mind around."
Who is DJ Cassidy?
DJ Cassidy is no stranger to political events or the Democratic party.
The DJ, who got his start playing at school functions, was called on when former President Barack Obama "needed a maestro," they called him to play at both of the president's inaugurations, his 50th birthday, and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s 50th birthday at the White House, according to Cassidy's website.
He's also played at events orchestrated by Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, the Kardashians and even performed at Jay-Z and Beyonce's wedding.
How did DJ Cassidy get his start?
The DJ fell in love with music at a young age. On his 10th birthday, "DJ Cassidy was born" when he asked his parents to get him two turntables and a mixer.
"His love of music and appreciation of sounds both classic and cutting-edge date back to age five when he discovered pivotal Hip Hop records like Run DMC's "Sucker MC's" and cult classic dance films like 'Breakin,'" states his website.
Every weekend, Cassidy would visit record stores, study vinyl sleeves and learn who wrote and produced his favorites.
The young DJ studied artists from across genres and vowed to play all kinds of music for people all over the world.
"DJ Cassidy’s career is the culmination of a lifetime of deejaying around the world, observing people react, and making people move," stated his website.
veryGood! (52279)
Related
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright Reunite at Their Son Cruz's 3rd Birthday Party Amid Separation
- Sunday Morning archives: Impressionism at 150
- Kobe Bryant's widow, Vanessa, gifts sneakers to Los Angeles Dodgers
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- Military marchers set out from Hopkinton to start the 128th Boston Marathon
- NBA playoffs: Who made it? Bracket, seeds, matchups, play-in tournament schedule, TV
- How much money will Caitlin Clark make as a rookie in the WNBA?
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Will Smith Makes Surprise Coachella Appearance at J Balvin's Men in Black-Themed Show
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- A Highway in Indiana Could One Day Charge Your EV While You’re Driving It
- 'Civil War': Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny break down 'heartbreaking' yet disturbing ending
- Pregnant Jenna Dewan Seeking Millions From Ex Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike Income
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Man falls to death at oceanfront hotel trying to escape sixth-floor shooting, police say
- Here's the maximum Social Security benefit you can collect if you're retiring at 70 this year
- The IRS is quicker to answer the phone on this Tax Day
Recommendation
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
2025 Nissan Kicks: A first look at a working-class hero with top-tier touches
Caitlin Clark set to join exclusive club as WNBA No. 1 overall draft pick. The full list.
Emma Bates, a top US contender in the Boston Marathon, will try to beat Kenyans and dodge potholes
Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
Brittney Griner and Cherelle Griner Expecting First Baby Together
13-year-old girl shot to death in small Iowa town; 12-year-old boy taken into custody
Reba McEntire Reveals If She'd Get Married for a 3rd Time