Yahoo Lifestyle From ‘Espresso’ to ‘Respect,’ the roll call songs used for each state at the DNC
From a live performance by rapper Lil Jon to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” Democratic delegates got their groove on during Tuesday’s ceremonial roll call at the party’s convention.
As each state delegation was called on to officially nominate Vice President Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) to the Democratic presidential ticket, a song — many of them with state connections — was played, prompting a boisterous dance party.
DJ Cassidy, whose real name is Cassidy Podell, spun the songs for each state from on stage, while wearing a bright blue suit. Celebrities Lil Jon and Eva Longoria popped into their native states for surprise appearances.
DJ Cassidy told The New York Times the playlist process took around a month and involved working with each state delegation to pick a song that had themes of “unity and celebration” and meant something to the state.
“I had a personal goal here, which was to turn the entire convention into a party,” he told the Times.
Here’s what each state delegation used as its roll call song:
Alabama — “Sweet Home Alabama,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Alaska — “Feel It Still,” by Portugal. The Man, a band from Wasilla, Alaska.
American Samoa — “The Edge of Glory,” by Lady Gaga.
Arizona — “Edge of Seventeen,” by Stevie Nicks, born in Phoenix.
Arkansas — “Don’t Stop,” by Fleetwood Mac. This was the 1992 campaign song for former President Clinton, who also served as the governor of Arkansas.
California — “The Next Episode” by California native Dr. Dre, followed by “California Love,” by Tupac, then “Alright” and “Not Like Us,” by Kendrick Lamar, also from the Golden State.
Colorado — “September,” by Earth, Wind & Fire. One of the band’s lead singers, Philip Bailey, is from Denver.
Connecticut — “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” by Stevie Wonder, a likely homage to Connecticut’s nickname as the Constitution State.
Democrats abroad — “Love Train,” by the O’Jays, featuring the lyrics, “People around the world, join hands.”
District of Columbia — “Let Me Clear My Throat,” by DJ Kool, a rapper born in the nation’s capital.
Delaware — “Higher Love,” by Kygo and Whitney Houston. The New York Times noted President Biden, who moved to the Diamond State in 1953, has used this song at various events.
Florida — “I Won’t Back Down,” by Florida native Tom Petty.
Georgia — “Welcome to Atlanta” by Jermaine Dupri. Lil Jon appeared with the state’s delegation to perform a part of his songs, “Turn Down for What” — which also features DJ Snake — and “Get Low.”
Guam — “Espresso,” by Sabrina Carpenter, which blew up on the charts this summer.
Hawaii — “24K Magic,” by Bruno Mars, originally from Honolulu.
Idaho — “Private Idaho,” by the B-52’s.
Illinois — “Sirius,” by the Alan Parsons Project. The Times noted the hit played when the Chicago Bulls were introduced in the 1990s.
Indiana — “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” by Michael Jackson, an Indiana native.
Iowa — “Celebration,” by Kool & The Gang.
Kansas — “Carry on Wayward Son,” by Kansas.
Kentucky — “First Class” by Jack Harlow, who was born in Louisville and raised in Shelbyville, Ky.
Louisiana — “All I Do Is Win,” by New Orleans native DJ Khaled.
Maine — “Shut Up and Dance,” by Walk the Moon.
Maryland — “Respect,” by Aretha Franklin.
Massachusetts — “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys, an American Celtic band formed in Quincy, Mass., in the 1990s.
Michigan — “Lose Yourself,” by Eminem, who famously spent his childhood in Detroit.
Minnesota — “Kiss,” by Prince and The Revolution, formed in Minneapolis in 1979.
Mississippi — “Twistin’ the Night Away,” by Mississippi’s own Sam Cooke.
Missouri — “Good Luck, Babe,” by up-and-coming Missouri singer Chappell Roan.
Montana — “American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz, a possible nod to electing the first woman to the Oval Office.
Nebraska — “Firework,” by Katy Perry, another pop classic often associated with the Fourth of July.
Nevada — “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, formed in Las Vegas.
New Hampshire — “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey.
New Jersey — “Born in the U.S.A.” by Long Branch’s Springsteen.
New Mexico — “Confident” by Demi Lovato, from Albuquerque, N.M.
New York — “Empire State of Mind,” a hit by famous New York natives Alicia Keys and Jay-Z. The song has become an unofficial anthem for the Empire State.
North Carolina — “Raise Up,” by Petey Pablo, from the Old North State.
North Dakota — “Girl on Fire,” by Alicia Keys.
Northern Mariana Islands — “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. While not related to the islands, the song is fitting for the election as Harris metaphorically “climbs” the mountain in hope of victory, as noted by NPR.
Ohio — “Green Light,” by John Legend featuring André 3000. Legend was born in Springfield, Ohio.
Oklahoma — “Ain’t Goin’ Down (’til the Sun Comes Up)” by Garth Brooks, from Tulsa.
Oregon — “Float On” by Modest Mouse, a band now based in Portland.
Pennsylvania — “Motownphilly,” by Philadelphia’s Boyz II Men, followed by “Black and Yellow,” by Wiz Khalifa, which is about the performer’s experience growing up in Pittsburgh.
Puerto Rico — “Despacito,” by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee, who are both from San Juan.
Rhode Island — “Shake it Off,” by Taylor Swift, who famously owns the single most expensive home in the Ocean State.
South Carolina — “Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine,” by James Brown, born in Barnwell, S.C.
South Dakota — “What I Like About You,” The Romantics.
Tennessee — “9 to 5,” by Dolly Parton, from Tennessee.
Texas — “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” by Beyoncé.
Utah — “Animal,” by Neon Trees, formed in Utah in 2005.
Vermont — “Stick Season,” by Noah Kahan, who hails from Strafford, Vt.
Virgin Islands —”VI to the Bone” by Mic Love, originally from the Virgin Islands.
Virginia — “The Way I Are,” by Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E. Timbaland is from Norfolk, Va.
Washington — “Can’t Hold Us,” by Macklemore, from Kent, Wash., and Ryan Lewis, from Spokane.
West Virginia — “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver. The song is one of four of the state’s declared official songs.
Wisconsin — “Jump Around,” by House of Pain, a hit famously played at the University of Wisconsin’s home football games.
Wyoming — “I Gotta Feeling,” by Black Eyed Peas.
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