MUSICIANS ENDORSING POLITICAL CANDIDATES: INFLUENCE, IMPACT, AND CONTROVERSY

Throughout history, musicians have played a significant role in shaping public opinion, not just through their art but also through their political endorsements and advocacy. From the early role of bards and minstrels singing of kings and revolutions to modern-day artists like Bob Dylan’s protest songs of the 1960s to Taylor Swift’s recent endorsement of the Harris Walz campaign, musicians' involvement in politics sparks both support and criticism. Whether backing a candidate or voicing opposition to a policy, research shows musicians and celebrities speaking out and endorsing candidates impact civic engagement and poll numbers.

A History of Political and Social Advocacy by Musicians

The origins of musicians endorsing political figures or causes can be traced back thousands of years. In ancient Greece, poets and musicians often aligned themselves with rulers or political figures. These musicians, like the poet Homer, would perform for kings and their courts, promoting the ideals of the ruling class. Music was seen as a powerful tool of persuasion and conveyed messages of loyalty, heroism, and divine right. Similarly, during the Middle Ages, European troubadours and minstrels would sing ballads supporting monarchs and noble causes. These traveling musicians spread news, myths, and propaganda, shaping the public perception of political figures. Musicians during this time also endorsed social movements, with some calling for justice for the poor or criticizing the church, which placed them at odds with political powers.

By the time of the Enlightenment, composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven started subtly incorporating political messages into their music. Beethoven, in particular, was an ardent supporter of the French Revolution and later Napoleon, composing pieces that celebrated revolutionary ideals, though he later turned against Napoleon when he crowned himself emperor. Music moved beyond its role as a tool of the ruling class and became a voice for the people.

The first recorded instance of a musician endorsing a specific political candidate can be traced back to the Great Depression, with Jazz legend Duke Ellington becoming one of the first major musicians to publicly support a presidential candidate in 1932, endorsing Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1943, Woody Guthrie, a legendary American folk singer with Seattle roots, wrote songs about the struggles of the working class and advocated for socialist ideals, writing “This Machine Kills Fascists” across his guitar, becoming an emblem of the connection between music and political dissent.

Musicians became even more outspoken about their political beliefs as the century progressed. In the 1960s and 1970s, figures like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Nina Simone, and Frank Sinatra openly endorsed civil rights, anti-war candidates, and causes; their music served as the soundtrack for political rallies and protests, providing anthems that called for social change and mobilizing their fanbases to action. Fast forward to Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns, which attracted endorsements from some of the biggest names in music, including Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z, and you’ll find even more examples of musicians using their platforms for political and social advocacy. These musicians performed at rallies, raised funds, and used their platforms to energize younger voters. 

In 2018, Taylor Swift, one of the most famous musicians in history, entered the political arena, breaking her silence and endorsing Democratic candidates in the Tennessee midterms. Since then, Swift’s involvement in politics has helped galvanize younger voters; her endorsements are credited explicitly with increasing voter registration, with Vote.org reporting a 1,226% jump in participation in the hour after her Instagram post on September 10, 2024, endorsing the Harris Walz campaign, averaging 13,000 users on the site every 30 minutes. 

Locally, Seattle musicians also have a rich history of political engagement, using their platforms to advocate for social justice, workers’ rights, environmental issues, and more. Most notably, in the 1990s, the rise of grunge brought the city’s music scene into the national spotlight, allowing bands like Pearl Jam to join the conversation, taking on Ticketmaster in a battle over high ticket prices, a move that highlighted the exploitation of both fans and artists.

Pearl Jam asked Bill Clinton to take on Ticketmaster 30 years ago

Influence and Controversy of Musicians in Politics

Despite their influence, not all musicians feel comfortable endorsing political candidates. For instance, Bob Dylan, whose music is often linked to political movements, has generally refrained from explicitly endorsing candidates, preferring to let his songs speak on broader issues. This sentiment is also shared by more modern musicians, such as Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, and Miley Cyrus. It’s an understandable approach; musicians who endorse candidates can face extreme backlash, as with Kanye West’s public support for Donald Trump, which alienated many of his fans. Similarly, artists like Dixie Chicks (now known as The Chicks) faced public and professional repercussions after criticizing President George W. Bush. Most recently, Seattle-based rapper Macklemore, who has been steadfast in his support of Palestine, has received intense negative coverage over his remarks made at “Palestine Will Live Forever,” a pro-Palestine music festival on September 21, 2024, at Seward Park. His remarks caused music festivals to drop him from their lineups, demonstrating the risks musicians take when they step into political advocacy. 

The Shifting Landscape of Political Endorsements by Musicians

As the political landscape shifts, whether endorsing a candidate or advocating for specific policies, the power of a musician’s endorsement shouldn’t be underestimated. With the rise of social media, artists can now communicate directly with their audiences, unfiltered by traditional media outlets, allowing them to reach millions of people—often with more immediacy and emotional impact than traditional political advertisements, playing an essential role in shaping modern politics. Whether you agree with musicians and celebrities using their platforms for political advocacy or not, it is a fact that music and politics will forever be intertwined.

Election Day is right around the corner! This Tuesday, November 5th, is your chance to make your voice heard. Voting is more than just a civic duty—it is how we shape our communities, protect our rights, and support leaders who align with our values. Whether it’s healthcare, education, housing, or environmental protections that matter most to you, your vote can make a difference. So grab your ballot, research the candidates and measures, and ensure you get your vote by November 5, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. PDT.