Current:Home > ScamsWho was the DJ at DNC? Meet DJ Cassidy, the 'music maestro' who led the roll call -WealthTrail Solutions
Who was the DJ at DNC? Meet DJ Cassidy, the 'music maestro' who led the roll call
View
Date:2025-04-18 09:08:14
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! (9483)
Related
- US Open player compensation rises to a record $65 million, with singles champs getting $3.6 million
- How 'The First Omen' births a freaky prequel to the 1976 Gregory Peck original
- Unmarked grave controversies prompt DOJ to assist Mississippi in next-of-kin notifications
- Oldest man in the world dies in Venezuela weeks before 115th birthday
- Jamaica's Kishane Thompson more motivated after thrilling 100m finish against Noah Lyles
- Down to the wire. California US House election could end in improbable tie vote for second place
- Rudy Giuliani can remain in Florida condo, despite judge’s concern with his spending habits
- How Amanda Bynes Spent Her 38th Birthday—And What's Next
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- NY state is demanding more information on Trump’s $175 million appeal bond in civil fraud case
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Messi, Inter Miami confront Monterrey after 2-1 loss and yellow card barrage, report says
- Florida Senate president’s husband dies after falling at Utah’s Bryce Canyon park
- Brown rats used shipping superhighways to conquer North American cities, study says
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ready to campaign for Harris-Walz after losing out for spot on the ticket
- Hits for sale: Notable artists who have had their music catalogs sell for big money
- Biden is touring collapsed Baltimore bridge where recovery effort has political overtones
- Watch California thief disguised as garbage bag steal package in doorbell cam footage
Recommendation
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
$30 million stolen from security company in one of Los Angeles' biggest heists
Judge denies Trump's motion to dismiss documents case
NY state is demanding more information on Trump’s $175 million appeal bond in civil fraud case
The Daily Money: Disney+ wants your dollars
Hawaii police officer who alleged racial discrimination by chief settles for $350K, agrees to retire
Thomas Gumbleton, Detroit Catholic bishop who opposed war and promoted social justice, dies at 94
New York can take legal action against county’s ban on female transgender athletes, judge says