John Legend brought a touch of Minnesota music to the Democratic National Convention (DNC), paying tribute to the legendary Prince while also voicing his support for Vice President Kamala Harris. The Grammy-winning artist performed on Wednesday night, adding his voice to a chorus of celebrities and musicians endorsing the Democratic ticket.
Legend’s performance served as an introduction for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the DNC. He chose to honor Prince, a native son of Minnesota, by performing “Let’s Go Crazy,” the iconic 1984 hit. This wasn’t Legend’s first foray into Prince tributes; he previously delivered a memorable rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” at the 2020 Grammys. This performance at the DNC further cemented John Legend’s connection with Prince’s musical legacy and brought a vibrant energy to the political event.
John Legend and Sheila E. perform at the DNC pic.twitter.com/YoQP6ZAgfS
Adding to the star power, Sheila E. joined John Legend on stage for the Prince cover. Their collaborative performance injected a dose of energy and musical brilliance into the DNC proceedings, highlighting the cultural significance of Prince’s music and its enduring appeal across generations.
Beyond his musical contribution, John Legend also used his platform to express his political endorsement. In a recent interview, Legend openly supported Kamala Harris’ presidential candidacy. He emphasized her “right character traits,” highlighting her care for people and commitment to effective governance. Legend joins a growing list of high-profile figures, including Charli XCX, Barbara Streisand, and Jane Fonda, who have publicly endorsed Harris, demonstrating broad celebrity support for the Democratic candidate.
The DNC also featured other notable musical performances. Earlier in the evening, country artist Maren Morris took the stage. Known for her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Morris performed her song “Better Than We Found It.” This performance underscored the DNC’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice, with Morris’s song resonating with themes of progress and positive change. Morris has been a vocal ally to the LGBTQ+ community, notably apologizing for the country music industry’s past mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Maren Morris performs “Better Than We Found It” at the DNC. pic.twitter.com/usTQbRNkJs
Mickey Guyton and Jason Isbell were among other country artists who performed on the first night of the Democratic National Convention, further showcasing the diverse musical lineup. Pink is scheduled to close out the convention, promising a dynamic finale to the event. The inclusion of such a wide array of artists underscores the Democratic party’s effort to engage a broad spectrum of voters and use music as a powerful tool for connection and mobilization. John Legend’s Prince tribute and endorsement of Kamala Harris, along with the performances of Maren Morris and other artists, highlighted the DNC’s blend of political messaging and cultural moments.
