Listen Up America! Campaign Music’s Crescendos And Innuendos

Singer Alicia Keys performs during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Singer Alicia Keys performs during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Mark J. Terrill/AP
Singer Alicia Keys performs during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Mark J. Terrill/AP
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Singer Alicia Keys performs during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Singer Alicia Keys performs during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Mark J. Terrill/AP
Singer Alicia Keys performs during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Mark J. Terrill/AP
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Listen Up America! Campaign Music’s Crescendos And Innuendos

Music plays an important part in American political races. Candidates want to be associated with familiar, positive, uplifting songs. The practice of pairing politicians and music has been around almost as long as the country. 

But how did it all begin? How has it evolved? And who’s behind some of the odd musical choices linked to those seeking office, including Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump? 

We find out from Eric Kasper, co-author of the book Don't Stop Thinking About the Music: The Politics of Songs and Musicians in Presidential Campaigns.