DNC Roll Call Features Musical Salutes for Each State

At the Democratic National Convention, Tuesday night’s roll call was marked by a unique musical celebration, with DJ Cassidy spinning tracks that represented each state and territory. Here’s a look at the songs that made the playlist and the stories behind them:

Alabama: Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Despite its strong association with Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd was actually formed in Jacksonville, Florida.

Alaska: Feel It Still - Portugal. The Man
Hailing from Wasilla, Alaska, the band’s members started their musical journey together in high school.

American Samoa: Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga
A playful nod to the territory’s position as the southernmost part of the United States.

Arizona: Edge of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks
Nicks, a Phoenix native, is celebrated for her solo career and work with Fleetwood Mac.

Arkansas: Don’t Stop - Fleetwood Mac
This track, which was associated with Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign, ties back to his roots in Hope, Arkansas.

California: The Next Episode - Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg, California Love - Tupac Shakur featuring Dr. Dre, Alright - Kendrick Lamar, Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
A tribute to California’s iconic music scene with artists from Compton, Long Beach, and beyond.

Colorado: September - Earth, Wind & Fire
Lead singer Philip Bailey, born in Denver, helped shape the band’s future from his high school connections in the city.

Connecticut: Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) - Stevie Wonder
A fitting campaign anthem, despite Wonder’s Michigan roots, and a nod to its popularity in previous Democratic campaigns.

Delaware: Higher Love - Kygo & Whitney Houston
A staple in President Biden’s campaign events, reflecting his Delaware connection.

Democrats Abroad: Love Train - The O’Jays
An uplifting track for Democrats globally.

Washington, D.C.: Let Me Clear My Throat - DJ Kool
A nod to the rapper’s roots in the nation’s capital.

Florida: I Won’t Back Down - Tom Petty
Petty, born in Gainesville, Florida, is celebrated for his enduring contributions to music.

Georgia: Turn Down For What - DJ Snake and Lil Jon
With Lil Jon’s Atlanta connection, this track brings energetic support to the convention.

Guam: Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter
Chosen for its widespread appeal, reflecting Carpenter’s recent chart successes.

Hawai’i: 24K Magic - Bruno Mars
Mars, from Honolulu, represents Hawai’i’s vibrant musical landscape.

Idaho: Private Idaho - The B-52’s
Though the band is from Georgia, the track’s title references the state.

Illinois: Sirius - The Alan Parsons Project
Known for its association with the Chicago Bulls’ entrance music.

Indiana: Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson
Jackson’s iconic track celebrates his Indiana roots.

Iowa: Celebration - Kool & The Gang
A classic party anthem, even though Kool & The Gang are from New Jersey.

Kansas: Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas
A tribute to the band that originated in Topeka, Kansas.

Kentucky: First Class - Jack Harlow
Louisville-born Harlow’s hit track showcases Kentucky’s contemporary talent.

Louisiana: All I Do Is Win - DJ Khaled
A track from the New Orleans native, reflecting Louisiana’s vibrant music scene.

Maine: Shut Up and Dance - WALK THE MOON
A catchy hit from the Cincinnati-based band, highlighting Maine’s musical spirit.

Maryland: Respect - Aretha Franklin
A powerful anthem from a legendary artist, despite her broader connections to Tennessee and Michigan.

Massachusetts: I’m Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys
A local band’s song celebrating Boston, where they originated.

Michigan: Lose Yourself - Eminem
A reflection of Detroit’s influence, with Eminem’s track symbolizing Michigan’s musical contributions.

Minnesota: Kiss - Prince & The Revolution, 1999 - Prince & The Revolution
Celebrating the late Prince, born in Minneapolis, with two of his iconic tracks.

Mississippi: Twistin’ the Night Away - Sam Cooke
An homage to Cooke, who was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Missouri: Good Luck, Babe! - Chappell Roan
A rising star from Willard, Missouri, showcasing the state’s emerging talent.

Montana: American Woman - Lenny Kravitz
Though Kravitz is not from Montana, the track reflects a broader cultural resonance.

Nebraska: Firework - Katy Perry
A vibrant, celebratory track, chosen for its wide appeal.

Nevada: Mr. Brightside - The Killers
The Las Vegas-based band’s hit celebrates Nevada’s musical scene.

New Hampshire: Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey
An anthem with enduring popularity, despite Journey’s San Francisco origins.

New Jersey: Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen
A tribute to Springsteen’s roots in Long Branch, New Jersey.

New Mexico: Confident - Demi Lovato
A powerful track from the Albuquerque-born artist.

New York: Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
A tribute to New York City from two iconic artists, one from Brooklyn and the other from Manhattan.

North Carolina: Raise Up - Petey Pablo
A nod to Petey Pablo’s contributions from Greenville, North Carolina.

North Dakota: Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys
A celebration of Alicia Keys’ powerful anthem.

Northern Mariana Islands: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
A classic track representing the Northern Mariana Islands.

Ohio: Green Light - John Legend featuring André 3000
Combining Legend’s Ohio roots with André 3000’s Atlanta influence.

Oklahoma: Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘til the Sun Comes Up) - Garth Brooks
A celebration of the Tulsa-born country star.

Oregon: Float On - Modest Mouse
A track from the Portland-based rock band.

Pennsylvania: Motownphilly - Boyz II Men, Black and Yellow - Wiz Khalifa
A mix of Philadelphia’s Boyz II Men and Pittsburgh’s Wiz Khalifa.

Puerto Rico: Despacito - Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee
A nod to Puerto Rican artists Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

Rhode Island: Shake It Off - Taylor Swift
A track from Swift, who owns a notable estate in Rhode Island.

South Carolina: Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine - James Brown
A tribute to the South Carolina-born “Godfather of Soul.”

South Dakota: What I Like About You - The Romantics
A pop hit chosen for its energetic vibe.

Tennessee: 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton
A celebration of the country music icon from Pittman Center, Tennessee.

Texas: Texas Hold Em' - Beyoncé
A nod to Beyoncé’s Texas roots and her impact on music.

Utah: Animal - Neon Trees
A track from the rock band formed in Provo, Utah.

Vermont: Stick Season - Noah Kahan
A song from the Vermont-born artist, reflecting the state’s musical identity.

Virgin Islands: VI to the Bone - Mic Love
A track by the Virgin Islands rapper.

Virginia: The Way I Are - Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E.
A song from Timbaland, who hails from Norfolk, Virginia.

Washington: Can’t Hold Us - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
A dynamic track from Washington-based artists.

West Virginia: Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver
An ode to the natural beauty of West Virginia, despite Denver’s New Mexico roots.

Wisconsin: Jump Around - House of Pain
A track synonymous with the University of Wisconsin’s football games.

Wyoming: I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
A high-energy song to represent Wyoming.

This musical journey through the DNC roll call not only highlighted regional pride but also celebrated the diverse and rich musical heritage of each state and territory.