Grammy Award-winning artists James Taylor and Jason Isbell, along with Grammy-nominated country music innovator Mickey Guyton, are set to perform at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night at Chicago’s United Center, as announced by DNC organizers. However, James Taylor’s performance was omitted from the lineup due to time constraints.
The evening will also feature speeches from President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The convention takes place over four days, during which delegates will officially designate the party’s nominees for president and vice president.
James Taylor was expected to close the performances on Monday night. He previously performed at the DNC in 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina, but organizers decided to skip his set this time to ensure President Biden could address the audience promptly. Taylor was seen warming up at the venue, and a video shared on social media captured him playing his rendition of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.”
Taylor has an impressive catalog that includes hits such as “Fire and Rain,” “Your Smiling Face,” and “How Sweet It Is.” Following the release of his 2020 album “American Standard,” he became the first artist to have a Top 10 album in each of the last six decades and won his sixth Grammy. He is also a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and has received both the Kennedy Center Honors and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
A long-time activist, Taylor hosted his first political fundraiser in 1972 for George McGovern. He has continued his advocacy, performing at events for Biden and expressing his desire for a government that reflects the taxes he pays. Despite being cautious about discussing his political opinions, he feels a duty to participate in the upcoming 2024 election.
Jason Isbell performed at the convention wearing a navy tuxedo and black bowtie, showcasing his remarkable guitar skills in a rendition of “Something More Than Free.” A six-time Grammy Award winner, Isbell is known for his work with his band, the 400 Unit, and was formerly a member of Drive-By Truckers. His latest album, “Weathervanes,” released last year, marked his first self-produced project with the band since his recovery from substance abuse. Isbell has also made notable contributions to film and television, including acting roles and songwriting for the movie “A Star is Born.”
His struggles with sobriety and personal life were the focus of the recent HBO documentary “Running With Our Eyes Closed,” which explored the creative pressures he faced alongside his wife, Amanda Shires.
Mickey Guyton expressed her excitement for performing at the convention on social media before taking the stage dressed in a beautiful white gown. She is a four-time Grammy Award nominee, recognized as the first Black female solo artist nominated in a country category. Guyton’s advocacy in country music has made her a voice for underrepresented artists, and she gained further recognition while hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2021. In addition to her achievements, she performed the national anthem at Super Bowl LVI and has a new album titled “House on Fire” set to release next month. During the convention, she delivered a passionate performance of her anthem “All American.”