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
Poinbank View
Date:2025-04-08 08:51:17
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! (29)
Related
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Vanessa Hudgens Shares Glimpse Into Life After Welcoming First Baby With Cole Tucker
- 3 New Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules Everyone Should Know For 2024
- Remembering Quincy Jones: 10 career-spanning songs to celebrate his legacy
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Raiders fire offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, two more coaches after 2-7 start
- Travis Kelce Shares Heartwarming Moment With Taylor Swift's Brother Austin at Eras Concert
- When's the next Federal Reserve meeting? Here's when to expect updates on current rate.
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- When's the next Federal Reserve meeting? Here's when to expect updates on current rate.
Ranking
- Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
- The butchered remains of a dolphin were found on a New Jersey beach. Feds are investigating
- DWTS' Gleb Savchenko Admits to Ending Brooks Nader Romance Over Text
- Psychotropic Medications and High Heat Don’t Mix
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Psychotropic Medications and High Heat Don’t Mix
- Georgia authorities probe weekend shooting that left 2 dead, officer injured
- Lala Kent Details Taylor Swift Visiting Travis Kelce on Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? Set
Recommendation
The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
Vikings vs. Colts highlights: Sam Darnold throws 3 TDs in Sunday Night Football win
Olivia Rodrigo Reveals Her Biggest Dating Red Flag
Georgia authorities probe weekend shooting that left 2 dead, officer injured
'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
Ag Pollution Is Keeping Des Moines Water Works Busy. Can It Keep Up?
A courtroom of relief: FBI recovers funds for victims of scammed banker
The Best Dry Shampoo for All Hair Types – Get Clean & Refreshed Strands in Seconds