KEY POINTS
- Patti LaBelle performed at the Democratic National Convention, celebrating her 80th birthday and 65 years in the music industry.
- Rapper Common also performed at the convention, continuing his advocacy through music.
- James Taylor’s performance was canceled due to time constraints, allowing President Joe Biden to get an early start.
Legendary singer Patti LaBelle took the stage on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, paying tribute to America’s fallen heroes. On August 20, at the United Center, a well-known R&B personality, LaBelle, performed as part of the evening’s program.
Legendary rapper Common was one of the artists performing on opening night, followed by LaBelle’s performance. Her presence underscored the convention’s theme, “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” and represented a major turning point. LaBelle, no stranger to the Democratic National Convention, previously performed a stirring rendition of the civil rights anthem “A Change is Gonna Come” during the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
Rapper Common performed on the second day of the conference, following LaBelle on stage. Known for his support and previous performances at the Democratic National Convention, Common and John Legend sang “Glory” during the imaginary 2020 Democratic National Convention during the pandemic.
Time constraints forced Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Taylor to cancel a scheduled performance at the convention, allowing President Joe Biden to take the stage earlier.
Beyond the convention, LaBelle has ties to the current administration. On June 10, 2023, she participated in Biden’s performance on the White House South Lawn for Juneteenth. The event commemorated the federal holiday honoring the freeing of the last slaves in 1865. Other well-known performers, including Gladys Knight, Kirk Franklin and Anthony Hamilton, joined LaBelle.
LaBelle is currently celebrating her 80th birthday and 65 years in the music industry with her “8065” tour. The tour kicked off in July and will wrap up in St. Petersburg, Florida on December 18. LaBelle, who has had a long career, has never shown any signs of slowing down. In a previous interview with Billboard she stated that she plans to play as long as she can.
Common, who also performed at the conference, is gearing up for the Aug. 28 start date of his “The Auditorium” tour with Pete Rock. The tour, which is promoting their self-titled collaborative album, showcases Common’s ongoing impact on activism and music.
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