Music has played a crucial role in the 2024 presidential campaign, resulting in a cacophony of emotions and feedback from the music industry. From onstage performances, to cease and desist letters, presidential candidates cannot resist using music as a tool.
National anthems, walk-on songs, worship music, theme songs and soundtracks; music is used in everything political. It has been used throughout history as a symbol, whether in celebration or in warning, song communicates powerful messages.
Politicians have been using music as a way to bring in voters for centuries. Former President Ronald Reagan began the use of walk-on/walk-off music, during his reelection campaign in 1984. “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen was declared Regan’s anthem, an odd choice given the meaning behind the lyrics.
Even before Reagan, politicians used music to rile up crowds and supporters. As far back as George Washington (whose personal anthem was “God Save Great Washington,” a remix of “God Save The King”), presidential candidates have used or written songs to campaign with.
The 2024 Presidential Election has seen its fair share of music usage at rallies, conventions and other stops along the campaign trail. Both candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, have used music to communicate with their supporters.
Harris has used a variety of songs on the campaign trail, but most notable is her use of Beyoncé’s 2016 hit “Freedom.” The singer-songwriter previously permitted Harris to use the song, which was featured in the campaign’s launch video. Yet, her support goes beyond just music. Recently, Beyoncé introduced Harris to the stage at a rally in Houston, and the support from singers does not stop there.
Last week, Eminem introduced former president Barack Obama at a rally in Detroit. The rapper endorsed Harris, citing the importance of free speech before introducing Obama. After joining the rapper onstage, the former president partially recited the lyrics to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” stating “I love me some Eminem.”
However, singers appearing at rallies are not exclusive to the Democratic campaign.
Kid Rock performed before Donald Trump’s speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention. The musician performed his song “American Bad A--.” On Oct. 27, country music singer Lee Greenwood performed at Madison Square Garden ahead of Trump’s rally. Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” has often been used by Trump during his campaign.
Music usage; however, does not come without its adversaries. The Trump campaign has been hit with dozens of legal requests from musicians to stop usage of their songs, immediately.
In 2020, Donald Trump received a cease and desist from Tom Petty’s family for his use of the late singer’s “I Won’t Back Down” at a rally. However, Trump is not the first presidential candidate in legal trouble for the use of Petty’s song.
During the 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush frequently used Petty’s song during his campaign appearances. The future president was hit with a cease and desist letter from Petty, who refused to endorse the candidate. Adele, The White Stripes, Pharrell Williams, Neil Young, Rihanna, Prince, Queen and Nickelback are just a few of the other artists who have protested Trump’s use of their music.
These requests, however, can be ignored. For years, the Village People have requested their song “Y.M.C.A.” is no longer played at Trump rallies. Yet, the song has become somewhat synonymous with the former president's campaign.
Presidential candidates use music to their advantage. When done well, music can send a powerful message to voters. When done poorly, or in bad taste, it can sour voters' perception of their campaign.
If presidential candidates have realized one thing, it is that there is no better way to bring a group together than through music.
