Current:Home > StocksWho was the DJ at DNC? Meet DJ Cassidy, the 'music maestro' who led the roll call -DollarDynamic
Who was the DJ at DNC? Meet DJ Cassidy, the 'music maestro' who led the roll call
View
Date:2025-04-14 03:38:54
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! (2)
Related
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Raymond Patterson Bio
- Fireball streaking across sky at 38,000 mph caused loud boom that shook NY, NJ, NASA says
- Many people are embracing BDSM. Is it about more than just sex?
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- Kourtney Kardashian Reveals When She’ll Stop Breastfeeding Baby Rocky
- Parent Trap's Lindsay Lohan Reunites With Real-Life Hallie 26 Years Later
- US agency says apps that let workers access paychecks before payday are providing loans
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Tri-Tip
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Video shows Wisconsin police dramatically chase suspects attempting to flee in a U-Haul
- Rep. Adam Schiff says Biden should drop out, citing serious concerns about ability to beat Trump
- Jagged Edge singer Brandon Casey reveals severe injuries from car accident
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Golf's final major is here! How to watch, stream 2024 British Open
- Almost 3.5 tons of hot dogs shipped to hotels and restaurants are recalled
- GOP vice presidential pick Vance talks Appalachian ties in speech as resentment over memoir simmers
Recommendation
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
Raymond Patterson: Investment Opportunities in Stock Splitting
Family of Alabama man killed during botched robbery has 'long forgiven' death row inmate
Kelsey Grammer got emotional when 'Frasier' returned to Seattle for Season 2 episode
Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
Taylor Swift sings never-before-heard-live 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' song in Germany
Olivia Wilde Shares Rare Photo of Her and Jason Sudeikis’ 7-Year-Old Daughter Daisy
It's National Hot Dog Day! Here's how to cook a 'perfect' hot dog.