The Ohio delegation brought a vibrant energy to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) by nominating Vice President Kamala Harris to the tune of Springfield, Ohio native John Legend’s hit song, “Green Light.” This energetic selection underscored a moment of Ohio pride and Democratic unity as the roll call vote took place.
“Ohio knows how to make history,” declared Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters during the convention proceedings. She highlighted Ohio’s historical achievements, from landing a man on the moon to championing abortion rights, setting the stage for their support of Vice President Harris. Walters proudly cast Ohio’s vote for the first woman president of the United States, as chants of “OH-IO” filled the room, punctuated by the upbeat rhythm of “Green Light.”
While the official nomination of Harris occurred earlier in a virtual roll call, this ceremonial vote at the DNC served as a powerful visual and auditory representation of state support. The choice of music, particularly John Legend’s “Green Light,” added an extra layer of Ohio flavor and contemporary appeal to the traditional roll call process.
Prior to selecting “Green Light,” Ohio Democrats considered a range of songs to represent their state. Options included Ohio’s official rock song, “Hang On Sloopy,” and “Gold on the Ceiling” by Akron’s own The Black Keys. These choices reflect Ohio’s rich musical heritage, but ultimately, “Green Light” – with its association with a celebrated Ohioan and its message of forward momentum – won out.
The selection sparked online discussions among viewers, with many suggesting alternative Ohio-centric songs that could have been used. Ideas ranged from The Black Keys’ “Gold on the Ceiling” to Ohio Players’ funky “O-H-I-O,” the O’Jays’ soulful “Love Train,” Tracy Chapman’s revolutionary “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution,” and even a nod to rock with “Cleveland Rocks.”
Vice President Kamala Harris Nomination at DNC with John Legend's Green Light Song
Ultimately, the use of John Legend’s “Green Light” provided a memorable and energetic backdrop to Ohio’s nomination of Vice President Harris. It highlighted the state’s connection to a globally recognized artist and injected a sense of optimism and contemporary flair into the DNC proceedings. The song choice served as a reminder of Ohio’s cultural contributions and its active role in the Democratic political landscape.
