Patti LaBelle and rapper Common graced the stage at the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago on Tuesday night, a highlight of the event themed “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.” The evening featured notable speeches from Barack and Michelle Obama, adding to the star-studded program.
Patti LaBelle opened the event’s second night with her emotional performance of “You Are My Friend” during an In Memoriam segment. Mitch Landrieu, former mayor of New Orleans, introduced her, emphasizing the loss of many patriots since the last convention and urging attendees to take a moment to remember them. LaBelle captivated the audience with her stunning outfit of black lace over a white blouse, delivering heartfelt lines like, “My friend, I feel your love when you’re not near.” She passionately shouted, “God bless America, Kamala Harris!” and left the stage to overwhelming applause.
LaBelle, renowned as the “Godmother of Soul,” boasts two Grammy Awards and 13 nominations. Her journey began in a Philadelphia girl group that evolved through several names before she rose to fame as a solo artist with hits such as “On My Own” and “You Are My Friend.” She gained recognition for her iconic cover of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and won her first Grammy for “The Best is Yet to Come,” a collaboration with Grover Washington Jr. LaBelle received her second Grammy in 1992 for her album “Burnin’” in a notable tie with Lisa Fischer. After a hiatus from songwriting, she returned in 2017 with the jazz album “Bel Hommage.” LaBelle has also appeared on reality shows and released a Christmas album titled “Christmas Favourite.”
Later in the program, Common joined fellow Chicagoan and Grammy-winning gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds for a mash-up performance. They delivered a powerful rendition of Common’s new song “Fortunate” from his recent release “The Auditorium Vol. 1” along with McReynolds’ hit “God is Good.” Common expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor Kamala Harris, rapping about the positive climate at the DNC.
Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, is a multifaceted rapper, actor, and activist with a career spanning over three decades. He has garnered three Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe. He started his music career in high school, eventually achieving success in the ’90s under the name Common Sense. His influential works include collaborations with artists like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, as well as critically acclaimed albums such as “Like Water for Chocolate” and “Finding Forever.” Common co-wrote “Glory” for the film “Selma,” winning an Academy Award, and has continued to engage in significant projects, including a recent role in the film “The Hate U Give” and appearances on Apple TV+ shows. He is set to embark on a tour at the end of this month.