Current:Home > reviewsWho was the DJ at DNC? Meet DJ Cassidy, the 'music maestro' who led the roll call -WealthRoots Academy
Who was the DJ at DNC? Meet DJ Cassidy, the 'music maestro' who led the roll call
TradeEdge Exchange View
Date:2025-04-06 21:24:35
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! (379)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Lena Dunham discovered she's related to Glenn Close and Larry David: 'A queen and a king!'
- Biofuel Refineries Are Releasing Toxic Air Pollutants in Farm Communities Across the US
- Man convicted in killings of 8 from another Ohio family seeks new trial
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- UEFA Euro 2024 odds: Who are favorites to win European soccer championship?
- Unanimous Supreme Court preserves access to widely used abortion medication
- Report: Crash that destroyed I-95 bridge in Philly says unsecured tanker hatch spilled out gasoline
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- US reporter Evan Gershkovich, jailed in Russia on espionage charges, to stand trial, officials say
Ranking
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Some things to know about NBA great Jerry West’s life and Hall of Fame career
- Historically Black Coconut Grove nurtured young athletes. Now that legacy is under threat
- South Carolina man pleads guilty in federal court to fatally shooting Virginia police officer
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Louisville’s police chief is suspended over her handling of sexual harassment claim against officer
- Stock market today: Asia shares rise amid Bank of Japan focus after the Fed stands pat
- Inflation eases slightly ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision
Recommendation
From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
US wholesale prices dropped in May, adding to evidence that inflation pressures are cooling
At the Tony Awards, a veteran host with plenty of stars and songs on tap
No Fed rate cut – for now. But see where investors are already placing bets
McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
New Hampshire attorney general says fatal killing of Manchester man by police was legally justified
Poll analysis: Do Trump and Biden have the mental and cognitive health to serve as president?
Bye bye, El Nino. Cooler hurricane-helping La Nina to replace the phenomenon that adds heat to Earth