Democrats Set Their Convention Roll Call to a Soundtrack: Here’s How Each Song Fits Each State

The traditional roll call at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago took on a festive tone this year, turning into a lively dance party as each state and territory announced their votes for presidential nominee Kamala Harris to the beat of a carefully selected song.

DJ Cassidy provided the soundtrack for the evening, with some of the musical choices being spot-on and others leaving people scratching their heads. For example, Massachusetts went with a punk song about Boston, while Kansas, predictably, chose a hit from the band Kansas. However, some selections, like American Samoa’s choice of Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory,” were more unexpected, and in some cases, delegations didn’t even have a say in the matter.

Here’s a breakdown of how each song likely fits each state or territory, following the roll call order:

- Alabama: “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Despite the band being from Florida, this Southern anthem is Alabama’s most famous name-check.

- Alaska: “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man. The band hails from Wasilla, Alaska, the hometown of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

- American Samoa: “Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga. This choice was reportedly a “tongue-in-cheek nod” to American Samoa’s position as the southernmost territory in the United States.

- Arizona: “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks. The former Fleetwood Mac singer is a native of Phoenix.

- Arkansas: “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac. This song, which became the theme of then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, remains a Southern favorite.

- Colorado: “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Philip Bailey, one of the band’s original lead singers, was born in Denver.

- Connecticut: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder. A favorite from former President Barack Obama’s campaigns, though Wonder hails from Michigan.

- Delaware: “Higher Love” by Kygo and Whitney Houston. The home state of President Joe Biden picked a song that was a staple of his 2020 campaign.

- Democrats Abroad: “Love Train” by The O’Jays. Although the organization didn’t have a say in the selection, this early disco hit is fitting for a group with members in over 190 countries.

- Washington, D.C.: “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool. This party anthem comes from a native of the nation’s capital.

- Florida: “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty. The late rock legend was born in the Sunshine State.

- Georgia: “Turn Down For What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon. Atlanta’s own Lil Jon performed his hit live at the United Center in Chicago.

- Guam: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. This summer hit was chosen despite Carpenter being from Pennsylvania, far from Guam’s shores.

- Hawaii: “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. The R&B superstar hails from Honolulu.

- Idaho: “Private Idaho” by The B-52s. Though the band is from Georgia, the title nods to the state’s mysterious reputation.

- Illinois: “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project. This track was famously the intro music for the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls.

- Indiana: “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson. The pop icon and his famous family were originally from Gary, Indiana.

- Iowa: “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang. Though the band is from New Jersey, this universally loved hit was a fitting choice.

- Kansas: “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas. The arena rock anthem by the Topeka-based band was the obvious pick.

- Kentucky: “First Class” by Jack Harlow. The rapper was born and raised in the Bluegrass State.

- Louisiana: “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross. New Orleans’ infectious party anthem was a perfect choice.

- Maine: “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon. The New England state ended up with a sing-along favorite, even if the band hails from Ohio.

- Maryland: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. The mid-Atlantic state chose a hit from Detroit’s late “Queen of Soul” over a local pick.

- Massachusetts: “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by The Dropkick Murphys. The anthem of the Red Sox by an Irish American punk band from the Boston suburbs.

- Michigan: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. The iconic hit from Detroit’s native son, featured in his semi-autobiographical movie *8 Mile*.

- Minnesota: “Kiss” and “1999” by Prince. The pop superstar, born and died in his home state, shares a deep connection with Minnesota.

- Mississippi: “Twistin’ the Night Away” by Sam Cooke. The late soul singer was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

- Missouri: “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan. The Show-Me State opted for an upbeat track by the rising star from Willard, Missouri.

- Montana: “American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz. While the song’s original by The Guess Who has no direct ties to Montana, its title speaks to the idea of sending a woman to the White House.

- Nebraska: “Firework” by Katy Perry. Though Perry has no ties to the state, her star power and political advocacy made this song a fitting choice.

- Nevada: “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. The band, formed in Las Vegas, has become synonymous with the city.

- New Hampshire: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. This anthem has been used at countless events and rallies, despite the band forming in San Francisco.

- New Jersey: “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen. The Boss, from Long Branch, New Jersey, has long been a favorite at political rallies.

- New Mexico: “Confident” by Demi Lovato. Lovato was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

- New York: “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys. An anthem and ode to New York City by two of its biggest stars.

- North Carolina: “Raise Up” by Petey Pablo. The rapper and record producer hails from the Tar Heel State.

- North Dakota: “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys. Though Keys is from New York, this empowering anthem has been used in many significant moments.

- Northern Mariana Islands: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The song title aligns with the mountainous terrain of this U.S. commonwealth.

- Ohio: “Green Light” by John Legend feat. André 3000. Legend was born in Springfield, Ohio.

- Oklahoma: “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘til the Sun Comes Up)” by Garth Brooks. The country legend was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

- Oregon: “Float On” by Modest Mouse. The band, originally from Washington state, is now based in Portland, Oregon.

- Pennsylvania: “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men and “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa. A tribute to both Philly and Pittsburgh, the state’s two largest cities.

- Puerto Rico: “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee. The island territory honored its global megahit by two Puerto Rican artists.

- Rhode Island: “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift. While Swift was born in Pennsylvania, she has roots in Rhode Island.

- South Carolina: “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine” by James Brown. The Godfather of Soul was born in Barnwell, South Carolina.

- South Dakota: “What I Like About You” by The Romantics. The Detroit-based band’s hit resonated even without a local connection.

- Tennessee: “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton. The country music icon was born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and lives outside Nashville.

- Texas: “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” by Beyoncé. The superstar, from Houston, is synonymous with the Lone Star State.

- Utah: “Animal” by Neon Trees. The rock band was formed in Provo, Utah.

- Vermont: “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan. The singer-songwriter was born in Strafford, Vermont.

- U.S. Virgin Islands: “VI to the Bone” by Mic Love. The rapper hails from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

- Virginia: “The Way I Are” by Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson and D.O.E. Timbaland was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia.

- Washington: “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Both artists are from the Evergreen State.

- West Virginia: “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. The song, written by Denver with Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, has long been an anthem for the Mountain State, despite Denver being from New Mexico.

- Wisconsin: “Jump Around” by House of Pain. This 1992 hit has become a staple at University of Wisconsin football games, making it an easy choice for the Badger State.

- Wyoming: “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas. While the song has no apparent connection to the state, its upbeat and optimistic message made it a fitting end to the roll call.

- Minnesota: “Kiss” and “1999” by Prince. The iconic pop superstar was born in Minnesota, which he shared with Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz. The choice of Prince’s music was a fitting tribute to his lasting legacy in the state.

- California: “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre; “California Love” by Tupac Shakur; “Alright” and “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. California closed out the roll call with a medley of West Coast hip-hop anthems, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Harris’s home state.

The Democratic National Convention’s roll call was not only a political moment but also a celebration of the diverse musical landscapes across the United States. Whether it was classic rock, hip-hop, country, or pop, each state and territory brought a piece of its cultural identity to the event, making it a night to remember.

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