Common And Patti LaBelle Perform Night 2 At 2024 Democratic National Convention
On Tuesday night (Aug. 20), the second portion of the 2024 Democratic National Convention brought Patti LaBelle and Common to the stage, offering their musical talents in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. According to The Hollywood Reporter, their performances follow opening night showcases from Jason Isbell and Mickey Guyton.
During the program, Common delivered his Pete Rock collaboration “Fortunate,” giving the lyrics a live update that were more fitting for the occasion. The 52-year-old was also joined on stage by Jonathan McReynolds.
“I thank God for this moment in time where Kamala Harris will change the world for the better with love, hope, and grace,” rapped the Chicago native.
Pattie LaBelle used her powerhouse vocals to pay homage, performing during the night’s In Memoriam segment. The Philadelphia icon sang “You Are My Friend” for the emotional moment.
Those named in the tribute include actors Chadwick Boseman and Sidney Potier, bell hooks, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, actress Cicely Tyson, James Bilbray, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, Colin Powell, activists Randall Robinson and Jesse Tafalla Jr., Sen. Dianne Feinstein, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and more.
In the past, LaBelle performed Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” at the 2004 DNC in Boston, the night former President Barack Obama became a national political star.
Night two of the 2024 DNC also featured remarks from both Barack and Michelle Obama, VP Harris’ husband Douglas Emhoff, and a surprise appearance from Lil Jon during the roll call. According to a press release, the first night of the convention averaged 20 million viewers across 13 networks, and across DNC/Harris-Walz online streaming platforms, over 7 million people tuned in.
“Tens of millions of voters across America are tuning in, and here is what they’re watching: a united Democratic party with a vision for an America where we build up the middle class, we protect our democracy, and we create a future of opportunity and more freedom, not less,” explained DNCC Senior Director of Communications Matt Hill.
The 2024 DNC continues through Thursday. Main programming for Wednesday night’s programming begins at 5:30 p.m. CT. Watch the live stream here.
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