DNC Performers: Patti LaBelle, Common and More Set to Take the Stage on Night 2

Legendary R&B singer Patti LaBelle and Chicago-born rapper Common were among the musicians that took the stage at the United Center on the second night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Both artists were spotted rehearsing on stage earlier in the day, following a lineup of artists who performed on the convention’s opening night that included country singer Mickey Guyton and Americana artist Jason Isbell.
First, LaBelle took the stage. In an emotional tribute, she sang “You Are My Friend” as names of individuals who were previously involved in the Democratic party flashed on a screen.
Among the names listed were: actor Chadwick Boseman, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, actress Cicely Tyson, Rep. Elizabeth Furse, Vice President Walter Mondale, Secretary of State Elaine Baxter, Sen. Mike Gravel, Rep. Harry Johnston, Rep. James Bilbray, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, activist William Bilton, state party chair Bob Slagle, Ambassador Brian Donnelly, activist Randall Robinson, activist Jesse Tafalla Jr., Sen. Dianne Fienstein, First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Gov. Joseph Brennan.
Common and Jonathan McReynolds hit the stage after, singing a mash up of Common’s “Fortunate” and McReynolds’ “God is Good.”
Later in the evening, rapper Lil Jon briefly appeared with the Georgia delegates on the DNC floor during the ceremonial DNC roll call. He walked out while singing his track, “Turn Down for What.”
James Taylor, originally slated to perform on the first night, was cut from the program due to time constraints that saw President Joe Biden take the stage in the 11 p.m. hour on the East Coast. It remains unclear whether Taylor will be added back to the DNC schedule Tuesday or in the coming days.
LaBelle, an eight-time Grammy Award winner known for hits like “New Attitude” and “Lady Marmalade,” has a long history of supporting Democratic causes. Recently celebrating her 65th year in the music industry, LaBelle has been a consistent presence at Democratic events, including a performance at the White House’s Juneteenth concert in 2023.
LaBelle is no stranger to the DNC stage either. She delivered a spine-tingling rendition of the Sam Cooke classic and civil rights anthem “A Change is Gonna Come” at the 2004 DNC in Boston, where a then-little-known Sen. Barack Obama gave a speech that thrust him onto the national stage.
Common, a Chicago native and Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor, is known for his socially conscious lyrics and strong advocacy for criminal justice reform and racial equality. He first voted for the Democrats in 2004, supporting John Kerry during George W. Bush’s reelection campaign.
Beyond his music, Common, whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., has developed a close relationship with the Obamas, rooted in their shared Chicago origins and commitment to social justice. In 2011, Michelle Obama invited him to the White House for a poetry event, highlighting his influence in both the arts and activism. Since then, Common has been a regular presence at Democratic campaign events.
Both Obamas are among the speakers scheduled for the four-hour primetime slot on Tuesday, themed “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.”
Additionally, the Harris campaign announced on Tuesday that several prominent Republicans, including former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, former Georgia Lieutenant Gov. Geoff Duncan, and former Trump White House staffers Olivia Troye and Stephanie Grisham, will also speak on Tuesday evening. All have become vocal critics of Trump, which the DNC aims to highlight.
Tuesday’s programming kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET, 30 minutes earlier than Monday night.
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