All the Artists Who Have Shown Up In Support of Kamala Harris

The three-time Grammy winner gave an enthusiastic (and much belabored) performance at Kamala Harris’ first campaign rally in Atlanta. As she performed her viral hit “Mamushi,” the crowd sang along, but soon, the real reason the rap star was there emerged as she transitioned into “Body.” “Now I know my ladies in the crowd love their bodies,” she said fresh out of the “Mamushi” dance break. “And you want to keep loving your body — you know who to vote for!” As she performed the “Savage” remix, she told the crowd that “real savages” vote. —M.C.

The legendary Atlanta producer represented Georgia during the delegate portion of the Convention, offering his trademark “Yeah” and telling the crowd, “We are officially here tonight to nominate Kamala Harris for President.” Then, he jumped into a rendition of “Turn Down For What” and evoked Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz’ name while he and The East Side Boyz’ “Get Low” played. —A.G.

Justin Vernon is no stranger to politics. The Bon Iver frontman previously backed Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential bid in 2016 and 2020. Aug. 7 was no different when Vernon performed in his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in support of the Harris-Walz. Wearing the infamous Harris-Walz camouflage cap, the indie singer closed out his performance with an acoustic rendition of “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” by George Frederick Root. “We all know what we’re here for, so we’re going to do our thing,” he said before the final song. “Make this music and make way for the people that we need to hear from.” —K.G.

Jason Isbell may have been wearing a designer tuxedo onstage in Chicago, but no other performance at the DNC (or the RNC for that matter) more expertly reflected the working class. “I don’t think on why I’m here, or where it hurts/I’m just lucky to have the work,” Isbell sang in “Something More Than Free,” the standout title track of his 2015 album. Accompanying himself on a Fender Telecaster plugged into a small amp, the Alabama songwriter’s yearning voice delivered a message of those dutifully reporting to their jobs — and those who wish they had one. —J.H.

After backing Biden and Harris in 2020, country star Maren Morris was more than ready to put her support behind the Harris and Walz ticket. The musician took the stage at the second night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention to perform her heartfelt call for change, 2020’s “Better Than We Found It.” A few weeks prior, Morris spoke about supporting Harris in an interview with USA Today: “I campaigned for Biden and have met Kamala and she’s a badass. I feel invigorated to vote. Living in Tennessee, it feels more impactful to have that say,” she said. —J.B.

Mickey Guyton has been a pathfinding artist in terms of creating a space for Black artists in country music. “Little kid in a small town/I did my best just to fit in/Broke my heart on the playground/When they said I was different,” she sang on her breakout hit “Black Like Me,” which came out in the summer of 2020 as America was reeling from the police murder of George Floyd. At the DNC, she performed “All American,” an anthemic expression of inclusive patriotism that perfectly fit the convention’s theme of moving a diverse nation forward. “I love my country so much and to get such an opportunity to bring unity to such an incredible movement is a great honor,” Guyton told CNN. —J.D.

A longtime supporter of the Democratic party, Patti LaBelle performed her Carter administration-era hit, “You Are My Friend,” during the memoriam segment of the first night of the 2024 DNC. With emotion on her face and true affection spilling out of her voice, she sang, “Your love has made me realize, my future looks bright to me,” and then she howled with ardor to the audience’s delight. The Godmother of Soul previously sang at the 2004 DNC and at Biden’s Juneteenth concert this year. “I love [Kamala Harris] because she smiles, she laughs, she’s joyful, and those kinds of things you don’t see in some politicians,” LaBelle told Billboard. “It’s important for us to find somebody like that who will bring us a little joy and a little hope.” —K.G.

John Legend welcomed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at the Democratic National Convention and performed a song by one of Minnesota’s greatest artists: Prince. Ahead of Walz’s acceptance as the party’s vice presidential nominee, Legend honored the Gopher state, where Walz coached high school football before becoming governor. (Legend previously participated in a Prince tribute at the 2020 Grammys, with a performance of Prince-penned Sinead O’Connor hit “Nothing Compares 2 U.”) Together with Sheila E., Legend also sang “Let’s Go Crazy,” the 1984 Prince single from the album Purple Rain. —K.R.

The singer, drummer, and bandleader made her voice heard when she joined John Legend at the DNC to back Harris while performing the 1984 Prince song “Let’s Go Crazy.” The moment was not only a chance to support the Harris-Walz campaign; it was also a chance to honor her longtime connection to the late  Minnesota icon. —J.L.

Shortly after creating her first TikTok account, Kamala Harris was joined by Lance Bass for a silly video referencing his boy band’s hit track. “What are we going to say to Donald Trump in November?” the *N SYNC member asked. Harris responded with a laugh: “Bye, bye, bye!” Harris shared the post across social media with the caption: “Ain’t no lie, @LanceBass.” —T.M.

In 2019, Kamala Harris shared her excellent musical taste by naming Stevie Wonder’s 1976 masterpiece Songs in the Key of Life as her favorite album of all time. (We happen to agree; it’s number four on Rolling Stone’s 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time). On the third night of the DNC, Wonder returned the love with a soaring version of his 1973 empowerment-funk classic “Higher Ground.” Along with his performance, the iconic musician also offered a stirring message for the crowd, imploring the assembled Democratic delegates to “choose courage over complacency” and to “keep on keeping on until we truly are a united people of these United States.” —J.D.

The Chicks kicked off the closing night of the 2024 convention with a unified rendition of the National Anthem. Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer stood and sang in front of the American flag on a national stage, supporting Vice President Harris after their storied history of taking political stances as musicians. In 2003, The Chicks were famously blacklisted in country music after Maines disavowed then-president George Bush and his invasion of Iraq. —M.G.

Common repped the South Side when took the stage to perform at the second night of the 2024 DNC in Chicago. He started his performance with a message about Harris: “I thank God for this moment in time where Kamala Harris will change the world for the better with love, hope and grace,” he said. The rapper proceeded to sing his new song “Fortunate” with gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds, and switched up the lyrics to honor Harris, reveling in how “fortunate” the U.S. is to have a presidential nominee like her. In 2023, Common was present for Harris’ celebration of hip-hop music’s 50th anniversary, which she hosted at her home in D.C. —M.G.