DJ Cassidy led a memorable roll call at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night. He served as the first “musical maestro” of a convention roll call, introducing each musical artist and state.
True patriotism means fighting to make our nation better for each generation.
Tune in now for day two of the Democratic National Convention. https://t.co/OtZ2A8UJbG
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 21, 2024
Cassidy, a Grammy-nominated producer from California, wore a shiny blue suit, a beige hat, and square sunglasses as he welcomed the crowd to the DNC’s roll call.
“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge played in the background.
Together, we will fight for the promise of America’s future. Tune in now to watch the first night of the Democratic National Convention. https://t.co/FFbmGUzAOS
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 19, 2024
“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. During the roll call, Democrat delegates announced their votes, and Cassidy played unique songs representing each state.
SURPRISE: @KamalaHarris hit the stage to open up the first night of the Democratic National Convention. pic.twitter.com/8fC8WNobxN
— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) August 20, 2024
Tennessee delegates jammed out to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” while Texas enjoyed Houston-native Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.” New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the Empire State’s significance to Jay Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State Of Mind.” California Governor Gavin Newsom 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 a surprise appearance, accepting the party’s nomination in a live broadcast from a campaign event in Wisconsin. Former White House Press Secretary described the event as taking a typically “not normally fun or cool” political event and turning it into something grand, with fun music and dancing. “The whole night was truly surreal,” Cassidy said in an MSNBC interview.
Cassidy’s musical twist on DNC roll call
Four weeks of meticulous planning went into setting up the DNC roll call. Before this year, music had never been a part of a convention’s roll call, Cassidy noted, and it was a fact he “really had to wrap his mind around.”
DJ Cassidy is well-acquainted with political events and the Democratic party.
The DJ, who got his start playing at school functions, was called on when former President Barack Obama “needed a maestro” to play at both the president’s inaugurations, his 50th birthday, and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s 50th birthday at the White House. He’s also played at events organized by Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, the Kardashians, and even performed at Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s wedding. 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”. Every weekend, Cassidy would visit record stores, study vinyl sleeves, and learn who wrote and produced his favorite tracks.
The young DJ studied artists across genres and vowed to play all kinds of music for people worldwide. “DJ Cassidy’s career is the culmination of a lifetime of deejaying around the world, observing people react, and making people move,” remarked his website.
