Grammy Award-winning artists James Taylor, Jason Isbell, and Grammy-nominated country music star Mickey Guyton are set to perform at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night at Chicago’s United Center, as confirmed by DNC organizers. Notably, James Taylor’s performance was omitted from the lineup due to time constraints.
The evening’s program will also feature speeches from President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The convention will run from Monday through Thursday, where delegates from the Democratic Party will officially nominate their candidates for president and vice president.
James Taylor was originally listed to be the final performer of the night but, due to disruptive applause that delayed the schedule, DNC organizers decided to skip his performance to allow President Biden to address the audience. Taylor, while at the venue, was seen warming up and played a version of Carole King’s classic “You’ve Got a Friend,” as shared in a video by a media correspondent.
Known for hits like “Fire and Rain” and “How Sweet It Is,” Taylor’s career spans decades. He made history with his album “American Standard,” becoming the first artist to achieve a Top 10 album in each of the last six decades, which also earned him a sixth Grammy. A celebrated activist, Taylor has been politically engaged since performing at a fundraiser for George McGovern in 1972. He has expressed his dedication to Democratic values, emphasizing the importance of governmental responsibility as a citizen ahead of the 2024 elections.
Jason Isbell took the stage around 7:50 p.m., dressed in a navy tuxedo, and showcased his talent with “Something More Than Free.” As a six-time Grammy winner and former member of the band Drive-By Truckers, Isbell released his latest album, “Weathervanes,” last year. He has been transparent about his journey to sobriety and has garnered acclaim not only for his music but also for his contributions to film, including writing for “A Star is Born.”
Mickey Guyton expressed her excitement about performing at the convention on social media and made her mark in country music as a four-time Grammy nominee. Notably, she became the first Black female solo artist nominated in a country category at the Grammys. Guyton’s new album, “House on Fire,” is set for release next month. She aims to advocate for underrepresented voices in the music industry and delivered a powerful rendition of her song “All American” in a stunning white gown during her performance.