Don't Stop The Music: Campaign Songs Tell Candidates' Stories

March 09, 2019

Elana Schor, Associated Press

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren takes the stage during an event to formally launch her presidential campaign in Lawrence, Mass., on Feb. 9, 2019. Presidential candidates have used thematic songs to great effect in recent times. But it can also cause trouble if musicians object, and that’s what Warren could be finding out is the case with Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” (Elise Amendola/AP)

This article is more than 4 years old.

The Democratic primary has only just begun, but the presidential candidates already are relying on theme songs that embody their campaigns' spirits.

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren launched her run to Dolly Parton's working-class anthem "9 to 5." California Sen. Kamala Harris ended her campaign kickoff with "My Shot," a song of ambition from the musical "Hamilton."

But campaign songs sometimes can cause trouble if musicians object, as Warren could be finding out.

Parton's manager, Danny Nozell, says "we did not approve the request, and we do not approve requests like this of [a] political nature" when asked about Warren's use of "9 to 5."

Nozell isn't saying whether Parton's team might register any formal complaint about Warren's use of the song.

Sections

Radio

Podcasts

CitySpace

Support