James Taylor on being cut from Democratic National Convention: “Sorry to disappoint”
James Taylor has commented on his set being cut from the Democratic National Convention.
The singer-songwriter was set to perform at the first instalment of the 2024 Democratic National Convention on August 19, and expected to break out a rendition of Carole King’s ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ to close out the night. However, the appearance was axed at the last minute due to time constraints.
Taking place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, the event included two earlier musical performances: one from country singer Mickey Guyton, who played ‘All American’, and one from singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, who performed ‘Something More Than Free’.
Taylor was billed as the artist who would be closing out the night, however, the lengthy applause throughout the event led to the allocated time running over, and his performance having to be scrapped.
“It was exciting to see and hear so many of the speakers at the opening night of the Democratic convention here in Chicago. And we had a great rehearsal with Rickey Minor and terrific singers, Kenya Hathaway and Matthew Johnson before the event,” the songwriter began in a subsequent post on social media.
“But it became clear, as the evening unfolded, that there wouldn’t be time for our ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ with cello and voices. Maybe the organisers couldn’t anticipate the wild response from the floor of the United Center…
“Anyway, sorry to disappoint. But a great and inspirational, quintessentially American moment. We were honoured to be there…”
The Democratic National Convention carried on the next day (August 20) and saw former US President Barack Obama make a speech on the stage, as well as the grandson of former president John F. Kennedy, Jack Schlossberg.
The event will continue again tonight (August 21), and will be hosted by Mindy Kaling. As reported by Far Out, tomorrow night (Thursday, August 22) will mark the fourth and final instalment of the 2024 edition, and will see appearances from Kerry Washington and current Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
The event comes ahead of the forthcoming US Presidential election, which will be held on November 5.
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Liberty Dunworth
NME
