John Legend Closes Out Night 2 of Democratic Convention
The Democratic Convention is taking place as we speak. Running from August 17 to the 20th, this is a star studded, though virtual affair that features performances by several well-known musicians. John Legend closed out last night’s event.
Legend is known for being one of the most outspoken celebrity supporters of the Democratic party. Last night he chose to showcase himself as a romantic singing the gospel-influenced song “Never Break” from his most current album, “Bigger Love”.
The musician filmed his performance on the stage of one of downtown L.A.’s vintage theaters. For the opening of the song, the camera faced an empty auditorium giving the appearance that he was alone. He was later joined by backup singers who brought life to the empty room.
Last night will not be Legend’s final performance for the DNC. He will also be performing onThursday night, the last night of the convention. Spoiler alert, when one fan tweeted, “I was hoping for Glory. But maybe another time.” Legend responded with, “Stay tuned for the rest of the week.”
Legend’s performance follows a terrific opening night. Maggie Rogers opened the show with an acoustic, stripped down version of her song “Back in My Body” off her debut album, “Heard in in a Past Life”. She performed on a rocky cliff overlooking the beach. The footage was interspersed with images of frontline workers, families and friends coming together to support their communities during the pandemic.
Leon Bridges followed up with a rooftop performance of his new song “Sweeter”. He played alongside jazz saxophonist Terrace Martin. The song suited the DNC theme as it carries a message about breaking the cycle of systemic racism. It was released in June as a response to the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
The Convention also featured a video package supporting Joe Biden, sound tracked to Bruce Springsteen’s 2002 song “The Rising”. The video included footage of riots over racial injustice and pandemic related images as well as portraits of patriotic Americans.
The night closed with Stephen Stills teaming up with Billy Porter to cover the Buffalo Springfield song, “For What It’s Worth”.
Despite the coronavirus, the DNC is still taking place in Milwaukee although it shifted from the Fiserv Forum basketball arena to the smaller Wisconsin Center. All musician’s performances are being filmed virtually.
The performances will include everything from the National Anthem to patriotic classics to new songs. The musician’s appearances are meant to draw in new viewers who may not have otherwise tuned in to the convention ensuring the Democrats will engage more Americans than ever.
Performers set to perform the next few nights include Jennifer Hudson, Billie Eilish, Common and Prince Royce. In addition to the many musicians performing at the event, others have taken to social media to voice their support including Bette Midler and Cher.
The DNC promises to be an exciting event no matter who you’re voting for. Be sure to tune in.
