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John Legend repped Ohio at the DNC. Do you agree with the roll call playlist pick?

Kris Wernowsky, Columbus Dispatch
Updated
3 min read

The second night of the Democratic National Convention featured a raucous roll-call vote of all 50 states and the U.S. territories, each featuring that also represented their states.

Ohio's delegation chose "Green Light" by Springfield native John Legend. The song, which features Outkast's Andre 3000 — currently touring the country promoting his flute project — appeared on Legend's third album, 2008's "Evolver."

The song peaked at 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number four on the dance charts. But does it scream Ohio? The reaction from the always reliable, always reasonable people of social media crossed the spectrum from "Who the hell picked this song?" to "I don't like that Ohio song."

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Although it appeared that Legend redeemed himself Wednesday, all questions and criticisms were forgotten in the eyes and ears of the all-knowing tough crowd of X (formerly known as Twitter). Legend — joined by guitarist Ari O'Neal and percussionist Sheila E. — covered Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" in honor of one of the favorite sons of Vice President candidate Tim Walz's home state of Minnesota.

Sure, it's no Lil' Jon, but that's some tough criticism for a certified banger.

While we're not ones to throw shade at one of Ohio's most successful contemporary R&B singers (and a guy literally named "Legend"), Ohio's choice seemed to lack the recognizability of songs from some of its other favorite sons and daughters.

Vote for your favorite Ohio-related song

With little comment and in no particular order, we pulled together several other Ohio songs that represent Ohio pretty well. If we're missing some, or you just want to complain about our selections, please email your feedback to [email protected] ? and be sure to vote in our poll.

Akron's The Black Keys' “Gold on the Ceiling”

Dayton funk legends the Ohio Players' "O-H-I-O"

Canton R&B group O’Jays “Love Train"

Cleveland's Tracy Chapman's "Talkin’ Bout a Revolution"

The Pretenders fronted by Akron's Chrissie Hynde "Message of Love"

Akron's Devo "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"

Cleveland's Kid Cudi (ft. Brooklyn's MGMT) "Pursuit of Happiness"

Cincinnati-native Bootsy Collins' "Strechin' Out"

Cleveland's Bone Thugs N Harmony "Crossroads"

James Gang (formed in Cleveland and featuring Kent State alum Joe Walsh) "Funk #49"

Cleveland's Bobby Womack singing "If You Think You're Lonely Now"

Rascal Flatts, featuring Columbus natives, on "Life is a Highway"

Cincinnati's The Isley Brothers "That Lady, Pts. 1 & 2"

Dayton's Guided By Voices "Vote for Me Dummy"

Columbus' Twenty One Pilots singing "Ride"

Cleveland-native Trent Reznor and his Nine Inch Nails "We're In This Together"

Runners Up

Ian Hunter's "Cleveland Rocks"

Likely doesn't get the nod because writer/singer, Mott the Hoople's Ian Hunter, is from England.

The McCoys "Hang on Sloopy"

While popular at Ohio State University's football games, The McCoys are actually from Indiana.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: John Legend, Buckeye star? What Ohio songs should have been at the DNC?

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