Pennsylvania democrats during roll call of the state at Democratic National Convention, Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024. (AP Photo)
At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, what began as a traditional roll call quickly morphed into a lively dance party on Tuesday. Each state delegation announced their votes for presidential nominee Kamala Harris, accompanied by a fitting song spun by DJ Cassidy.
Most of the song choices were predictable. Massachusetts went with a punk anthem about Boston, while Kansas selected a track by the band Kansas. But some picks were more curious, like American Samoa choosing Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory.” Interestingly, some delegations revealed they had no say in the music selection.
Here’s a glimpse at how each song (likely) relates to each state or territory:
Alabama: “Sweet Home Alabama,” Lynyrd Skynyrd
The Southern state embraced its most famous anthem, despite the band originating from Florida.
Alaska: “Feel It Still,” Portugal. The Man
Despite its European-sounding name, this rock band hails from Wasilla, Alaska — also the hometown of Sarah Palin.
American Samoa: “Edge of Glory,” Lady Gaga
Though the territory's Democratic Party didn’t comment, NPR suggests this is a playful nod to its position as the southernmost U.S. territory.
Arizona: “Edge of Seventeen,” Stevie Nicks
This former Fleetwood Mac star is from Phoenix.
Arkansas: “Don’t Stop,” Fleetwood Mac
This choice echoed Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign theme when he was governor of Arkansas.
Colorado: “September,” Earth, Wind & Fire
Philip Bailey, one of the band's original lead singers, was born in Denver.
Connecticut: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” Stevie Wonder
Though the song has no clear ties to Connecticut, it was a staple in Barack Obama’s campaigns.
Delaware: “Higher Love,” Kygo and Whitney Houston
Biden’s home state selected a song that featured prominently in his 2020 campaign.
Democrats Abroad: “Love Train,” The O’Jays
The organization felt the song was apt, given its members span over 190 countries.
Washington, D.C.: “Let Me Clear My Throat,” DJ Kool
The delegation chose this party anthem by a local artist.
Florida: “I Won’t Back Down,” Tom Petty
The late rock star was a native of the Sunshine State.
Georgia: “Turn Down For What,” DJ Snake and Lil Jon
Atlanta’s own Lil Jon performed his hit live at the convention.
Guam: “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
The island picked one of the summer’s biggest hits, though Carpenter is from Pennsylvania.
Hawaii: “24K Magic,” Bruno Mars
The R&B star hails from Honolulu.
Idaho: “Private Idaho,” The B-52s
The song’s title nods to the state's mysterious nature, even if the band hails from Georgia.
Illinois: “Sirius,” The Alan Parsons Project
This track was the Chicago Bulls' intro music during the Michael Jordan era.
Indiana: “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” Michael Jackson
Jackson’s family hails from Gary, Indiana.
Iowa: “Celebration,” Kool and The Gang
A universally loved anthem, even though the band is from New Jersey.
Kansas: “Carry On Wayward Son,” Kansas
The state stuck to a classic by its namesake band.
Kentucky: “First Class,” Jack Harlow
The rapper was born in the Bluegrass State.
Louisiana: “All I Do Is Win,” DJ Khaled
New Orleans’ own DJ Khaled provided the perfect party track.
Maine: “Shut Up and Dance,” Walk the Moon
Maine's original pick was vetoed in favor of a singalong hit.
Maryland: “Respect,” Aretha Franklin
The state opted for a Detroit classic over a local tune.
Massachusetts: “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” The Dropkick Murphys
The unofficial anthem of the Red Sox.
Michigan: “Lose Yourself,” Eminem
A nod to Detroit’s own rap legend and his semi-autobiographical film “8 Mile.”
Mississippi: “Twistin’ the Night Away,” Sam Cooke
The soul singer was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Missouri: “Good Luck, Babe!”, Chappell Roan
The rising pop star hails from Willard, Missouri.
Montana: “American Woman,” Lenny Kravitz
While the song has no clear ties to Montana, its title resonates with the convention's goal.
Nebraska: “Firework,” Katy Perry
Perry, who performed at Biden’s inauguration, has become a Democratic Party favorite.
Nevada: “Mr. Brightside,” The Killers
The band was formed in Las Vegas over two decades ago.
New Hampshire: “Don’t Stop Believin',” Journey
This anthem has become a rallying cry at countless events.
New Jersey: “Born in the U.S.A.,” Bruce Springsteen
A no-brainer for Springsteen's home state.
New Mexico: “Confident,” Demi Lovato
Lovato was born in Albuquerque.
New York: “Empire State of Mind,” Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
A love letter to New York City by two of its most famous natives.
North Carolina: “Raise Up,” Petey Pablo
Pablo is a proud son of the Tar Heel State.
North Dakota: “Girl on Fire,” Alicia Keys
While Keys is from New York, the song celebrates strong women.
Northern Mariana Islands: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
This song could symbolize the journey Harris is on.
Ohio: “Green Light,” John Legend feat. André 3000
Legend was born in Springfield, Ohio.
Oklahoma: “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘til the Sun Comes Up),” Garth Brooks
Brooks was born in Tulsa.
Oregon: “Float On,” Modest Mouse
The band is based in Portland.
Pennsylvania: “Motownphilly,” Boyz II Men; “Black and Yellow,” Wiz Khalifa
These songs reflect the musical roots of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Puerto Rico: “Despacito,” Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee
Both artists are Puerto Rican.
Rhode Island: “Shake it Off,” Taylor Swift
Swift owns a home in the state.
South Carolina: “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine,” James Brown
The Godfather of Soul was born in Barnwell, South Carolina.
South Dakota: “What I Like About You,” The Romantics
A fittingly upbeat pick.
Tennessee: “9 to 5,” Dolly Parton
The legendary singer is a Tennessee native.
Texas: “TEXAS HOLD 'EM,” Beyoncé
Beyoncé was born in Houston.
Utah: “Animal,” Neon Trees
The band was formed in Provo.
Vermont: “Stick Season,” Noah Kahan
Kahan was born in Strafford, Vermont.
US Virgin Islands: “VI to the Bone,” Mic Love
The rapper is from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Virginia: “The Way I Are,” Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson and D.O.E.
Timbaland hails from Norfolk, Virginia.
Washington: “Can’t Hold Us,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Both artists are from the Evergreen State.
West Virginia: “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” John Denver
Denver’s song has become a symbol of the state.
Wisconsin: “Jump Around,” House of Pain
The hit is a staple at Wisconsin football games.
Wyoming: “I Gotta Feeling,” Black Eyed Peas
The song’s message is clear and upbeat.
Minnesota: “Kiss” and “1999,” Prince and The Revolution
The pop icon was born and raised in Minnesota.
California: “The Next Episode,” Dr. Dre; “California Love,” Tupac Shakur; “Alright” and “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
Harris’ home state closed the roll call with West Coast hip-hop anthems, both classic and recent.
