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"I'm sure Johnny Cash would have been a John McCain supporter if he was still around."

Those are words country star John Rich may want to take back. Cash's eldest daughter, Rosanne Cash, has issued a statement in response to Rich's political assumption, which he made onstage at a Florida concert earlier this month.

"It is appalling to me that people still want to invoke my father's name, five years after his death, to ascribe beliefs, ideals, values and loyalties to him that cannot possibly be determined and to try to further their own agendas by doing so," Rosanne writes. "I knew my father pretty well, at least better than some of those who entitle themselves to his legacy and his supposed ideals, and even I would not presume to say publicly what I 'know' he thought or felt. This is especially dangerous in the case of political affiliation. It is unfair and presumptuous to use him to bolster any platform. I would ask that my father not be co-opted in this election for either side since he is clearly not here to defend or state his own allegiance."

Continue reading Rosanne Cash Defends Father Against John Rich


We know where they stand on off-shore drilling and the differences on their exit strategies for Irag, but one question remains: What do they have on their iPods? Sure, we know that Obama is partial to Stevie Wonder for rallies and McCain liked John Mellencamp (before the singer asked him to stop using his music), but what do they listen to to get pumped up or to wind down on the campaign trail? Flip through the photos below to find out. We were surprised at some of their picks. You might be, too.

Barack Obamas Top 10 Songs

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now

    Bill Pugliano,Getty

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now
    No. 1: The Fugees 'Ready or Not'

    Frank Micelotta,Getty

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now
    No. 2: Marvin Gaye 'What's Going On'

    Michael Ochs Archives,Getty

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now
    No. 3: Bruce Springsteen 'I'm On Fire'

    Alex Brandon, AP

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now
    No. 4: Rolling Stones 'Gimme Shelter'

    Scott Gries,Getty

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now
    No. 5: Nina Simone 'Sinnerman'

    Hulton Archive,Getty

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now
    No. 6: Kanye West 'Touch the Sky'

    Sean Gardner,Getty

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now
    No. 7: Frank Sinatra 'You'd Be So Easy to Love'

    Michael Ochs Archives,Getty

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now
    No. 8: Aretha Franklin 'Think'

    David Atlas,Retna

    Barack Obama's Top 10 Songs Right Now
    No. 9: U2 'City of Blinding Lights'

    Jo Hale,Getty



According to our sources, Barack Obama is leading John McCain in the polls by nine percent. While we wouldn't presume to know the intricacies behind the Illinois senator's lead, we can account for a recent increase in activity on his behalf in the wonderful world of music. From Kanye West to Melissa Etheridge, artists have been touting Obama's campaign and, as in the case of Alicia Keys, even wearing him. The latest ...
  • Melissa Etheridge, who joined the "Vote for Change" initiative last spring, recently told Rolling Stone of backing Barack Obama, "[It is] with trepidation and great hope [that] I throw him my support. You have to believe not just in the man but in human spirit."
  • Alicia Keys rocked a Barack t-shirt during a London benefit to raise money for the Keep a Child Alive foundation, which helps to combat AIDS in Africa.
  • In Powder Springs, Georgia, Obama named-checked Lil Wayne during a stay-in-school speech. "You are probably not that good a rapper," he said. "Maybe you are the next Lil' Wayne, but probably not, in which case you need to stay in school."

Continue reading Alicia Keys Sports Obama, Kanye to Raps for Him + More

From onstage shout-outs to a cover story in one of music's most lauded publications, the presidential race continues to garner attention from the music world. The latest artists and icons stepping up and speaking out below.
  • George Clinton brought funk and campaign fervor to both Sum Funk 2008 and Detroit's Comerica Cityfest, where he endorsed Barack Obama with words and and an ornate tshirt.
  • Rolling Stone editor-in-chief Jann Wenner took his support for Obama to the brink by giving him the cover. Again. The Illinois senator first graced the face of RS back in March, and was positioned as "A New Hope." This month, in an attempt to send an even stronger message, the cover bears no words at all.
  • While Obama has denied having correspondence with starlet Scarlet Johansson, he has, however, reportedly been connected to Jennifer Lopez, who spoke about "health care with members of his staff."
  • Boy George, who was denied a Visa to the U.S. and was forced to cancel his tour, penned a song for Barack Obama entitled (you guessed it) 'Yes We Can.' Hear it here.
  • The National have created "Mr. November" tshirts in support of Barack Obama, with all proceeds going to his campaign. The shirt's meaning is twofold: the first is obvious, and the second refers to the last track on the band's 2005 album, 'Alligator.'
  • Lil Wayne supports Barack Obama. He guesses. In an interview with Blender, the top-selling rapper waxed poetic on politics saying, "A woman or a black man versus an old white dude? F--- no! They gonna be like, 'This black-ass n---- trying to come in my Oval Office? F--- no!'"

Continue reading George Clinton Brings the Funk for Obama + More

Scarlett's Got Obama on Her Mobile + More



With Barack Obama campaigning full-steam ahead as the Democratic candidate for this year's election, the contest for Commander in Chief has become a bit more focused. So we, too, carry on and keep watchful eye of all things 2008 election. Here's the latest:
  • Scarlett Johansson revealed that she and long-time political idol Barack Obama are having an email affair of sorts. The blond bombshell, who is in constant contact with the senator, defended herself saying, "If the spotlight is on me, I might as well try to direct it on things and causes that I believe in."
  • Although Chuck Berry's 1958 hit 'Johnny B. Goode' surfaced as one of John McCain's campaign songs this year, Berry calls himself an Obama man. "It's no question," he said of his support for the Illinois senator. "Myself being a man of color ... I mean, you have to feel good about it."
  • Nas has responded to Obama's all-but-official nomination with 'Black President' -- a track he recorded that includes a snippet of Obama's 'Yes We Can' speech.
  • Speaking of that speech, there is now a Spanish version of Will.i.am's once ubiquitous, now annoying video endorsement of Obama. Go to PodemosConObama.com to see the version of 'Yes We Can,' which features artists like Paulina Rubio, Don Omar and Alejandro Sanz.
  • Is the Barack Obama presidential campaign at the center of a "tough twee" musical movement? Have cardigans and sweets been replaced by an angrier sort? Discuss.
  • This list presents 12 cultural instances that helped Barack Obama win the ticket. No. 3 involves 'Sesame Street.'

Continue reading Scarlett's Got Obama on Her Mobile + More

The Flaming Lips Advocate Change + More



As rumors swirl that Hillary Clinton may, in fact, bow out of the battle for the Democratic ticket soon, we'd like to take a look back on the past couple of weeks to see who's been speaking up, rocking out and getting down for their personal political views. Here is the latest ...
  • The Flaming Lips' enigmatic frontman, Wayne Coyne, took several opportunities at this year's Sasquatch! festival to empower his audience. During the band's headlining UFO Show performance Coyne called for change this November and addressed the crowd, "Come on motherf------!" He not only spoke to the seriousness of the situation in Iraq, but also interrupted the show to play 'Taps.'
  • Sasquatch! produced several more political moments, including when guitarist Mike Clark from Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks told the crowd that they were "still holding out for Hillary." Then there was Michael Stipe who, barefoot during R.E.M.'s rainy set, asked, "Who thinks Barack Obama is the coolest guy in the world?"
  • The Decemberists jumped on the rock-for-Obama band wagon when they held a free concert in Portland, Ore., before the candidate's recent rally.
  • Outspoken Everclear frontman Art Alexakis maintains that 'Jesus Was a Democrat' in a new single his band is set to record in response to their opposition to the war. "I think that a lot of people who call themselves Christians would think -- if Jesus came back today -- that he's a terrorist because he isn't blond-haired or blue-eyed," he told Spinner. "Those are the people we're trying to kill."
  • During an interview with Spinner, Mick Jones said that he wants "anybody but McCain" to win this year's presidential race. He continued, "My real dream ticket would be Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen in 'The West Wing') with the vice president being the guy from '24,' Dennis Haysbert."
  • Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, an Obama supporter, spoke out on the (non)participation of Oregon's population in the state's primary on May 20.

Continue reading The Flaming Lips Advocate Change + More

M.I.A. Gets High on Politics + More


The latest ...
  • M.I.A. felt uber political after her Coachella performance this year. "Playing right now in America, during the election times, I feel more and more connected with my fans," she told Spinner.
  • During his performance at this year's Coachella Valley Music Festival, Roger Waters not only broadcast his personal presidential choice on his massive floating Obama pig (a nice Pink Floyd touch), but also with a bunch of flyers. Litterbug!
  • Sean Penn took advantage of his Coachella time to preach volunteerism before My Morning Jacket's set. "Revolution is a young man's job," he said. "And you can be the revolution!" Oh, and he also hung out with Sienna Miller. A lot.
  • Hillary Clinton launched Project T-Shirt. It's a design contest. And, like, if your design wins, you'll get a photo of both daughter Chelsea and Hillary rocking the thing ... in public!
  • As previously reported, Arcade Fire and Superchunk planned to rock for Barack. And they are! Here's proof.
  • 'The Hills' star (and wannabe pop singer) Heidi Montag says she's firmly planted in the John McCain camp. McCain answered, "I'm honored to have Heidi's support and I want to assure her that I never miss an episode." Barack Obama took the comedic approach to her (ir)relevance.

Continue reading M.I.A. Gets High on Politics + More


The latest ...
  • Against Me! made a public service announcement that urges people to "Stop! Take some time to think/Figure out what's important to you." It's kinda catchy.
  • The Roots' ?uestlove gushed about Barack Obama. "He appeals to the hopeless romantic in all of us," he told Spinner. "But I don't want people to misconstrue Obama's hope for a winning lottery ticket. If people see Obama as the lottery ticket that will instantly solve their problems, I'm sorry, but that's not going to happen. A lot of the political changes is gonna happen within these people themselves."
  • Arcade Fire and Superchunk have teamed up to play a few dates -- the shows have been deemed 'Change Rocks' -- in support of Obama.
  • An ironic hipster t-shirt idea touting Barack Obama has gone terribly wrong.
  • Find out which kind of campaign voter you are with this NY Times poll that suggests that if you eat granola and like, totally dig lattes, you're most likely an Obama person. Really?
  • We found two very, um, interesting Hillary Clinton spoof videos. The first involves a Chilean Clinton impersonator and a Hilary Duff jam; The second, 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day,' 'Carrie' and 'Fatal Attraction.' We know, but just watch.
  • Speaking of movies and candidates, check out this Barack/'Rocky' spoof. He looks good in a sweat suit.
  • John Mellencamp, who previously supported John Edwards, played an Obama rally during the Pennsylvania primary. The result? Obama lost, and Clinton is still in it.

Continue reading Against Me!'s Campaign PSA, ?uestlove's Obama Love + More


The latest ...
  • Bruce Springsteen announced who he wants as the boss of the United States, and his name rhymes with Schmobama.
  • In a surprising move, Snoop Dogg slammed Barack Obama. "The KKK gave Obama money," the rapper said. They was one of his biggest supporters." While there is no evidence to support this, Snoop offered the following support for his theory: "Why wouldn't they be?" he asked. "The media won't tell you that. They don't want you to know that."
  • Toby Keith, a longtime Democrat (what?), made public his support for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, saying, "I'm real happy that there are two candidates that people can get behind."
  • Jane's Addiction bassist Eric Avery told Spinner in a recent chat that he's "an Obama man." He also insists that he was "an Obama man since before there was ever an inkling that he was going to run for President."
  • Sir Elton John raised $2.5 million for Hillary Clinton's campaign during his benefit show for the former first lady at New York City's Radio City Music Hall.
  • Mavis Staples extended her support for Obama and Hillary Clinton in a recent interview with the Guardian. "I'm all for Obama," she said. "I like Hillary [Clinton], too. If either one of them wins, it's history -- and it's all because of Dr. King."
  • Rapper Nas called Barack Obama "the face of America." He continued praises by saying that "there's no two ways to look at it, man. The man's got what it takes. He's serious."
  • Former 'America's Next Top Model' contestant turned MTV personality Kim Stolz has offered her advice on campaign songs for the remaining presidential hopefuls. Want a preview? She suggests Justice's 'D.A.N.C.E.' for Ms. Clinton to up her "hipster factor." Hot.

Continue reading Springsteen Picks a Boss, Snoop Slams Obama + More


The latest ...
  • Jay-Z is supporting Barack Obama in a big way on his 'Heart of the City' tour.
  • Elton John will play New York City's Radio City Music Hall on April 9 to support Hillary Clinton's campaign.
  • Speaking of Radio City, former White House team Bill Clinton and Al Gore will make appearances at the venue for 'The Minds That Move the World' speaker series.
  • Joining DMX in the totally clueless club, former Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw admitted that she had never heard of Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. Really?
  • Ministry's Al Jourgensen told Spinner that he thinks Bush is evil. Oh yeah, and he's supporting Barack Obama.
  • Former Soul Coughing singer Mike Doughty told Spinner that he's firmly for ... anyone who's NOT Bush in his recent visit to the Interface.
  • Heather Mills posted a pro-Clinton message on her Web site.
  • You thought Will.I.Am was obsessed with Obama? See those who take it to the proverbial next level.
  • Dave Matthews Band will perform a free concert in support of Barack Obama this Sunday at Indiana University.

Continue reading Jay-Z Supports Obama on Tour, Elton Plays for Clinton + More


The latest ...
  • Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister produced an 'I Wanna Rock' redux for Barack Obama. 'I Wanna Barack' is credited to Jay Jay French alone, because the band members at large is split on their choice of candidates.
  • Ubiquitous Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz spoke out about his own political efforts in Spin's April issue, saying, "I don't think anybody's [thinking], 'Whoa, dude with black hair and tight jeans supports [Barack Obama]! That's a stunning move!' I'm only interested in creating a dialog with our fans."
  • Wyclef Jean gives 2008's presidential hopefuls a run for their money during his "vote for me" rant in the video for his latest single off 'Carnival, Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant.'
  • Russel Simmons, Jim Jones, the President of the Hip-Hop Research and Education Fund and more launched the national Hip-Hop Team Vote: Turn Up the Vote campaign on March 19 -- a national effort whose goal is to "mobilize the hip-hop generation of youth voters to ensure the largest youth voter turnout in American history on November 4, 2008."
  • In non-music-related-but-still-totally-awesome news, Bill Richardson, the nation's only Hispanic governor, announced his support of Barack Obama. The awesome part? Richardson's new beard!
Get a complete rundown on who's stepping up and speaking out after the jump.

Continue reading Twisted Sister Wants to 'Barack,' Pete Wentz Isn't That Influential + More



The latest ...
  • A Tribe Called Quest emcee Q-Tip has enlisted the help of Barack Obama and his distinctive voice in recording a track for his forthcoming album, 'The Renaissance.'
  • Obama supporter Stevie Wonder and First Lady hopeful Michelle had an awkward moment during one of the camp's musical rallies. It was caught on camera.
  • Brace yourself for Barackula: the Musical -- an upcoming "political horror rock musical" about the candidate's fictional younger years ... as a vampire slayer!
  • The AV Club responds to Rolling Stone's glowing Obama cover story.
  • Slits singer Ari Up professed her devotion to the Hillary Clinton campaign during the Fair Game radio show.
  • According to some, Barack Obama and his many "isms" are the cat's pajamas. In more ways than one.
  • KT Tunstall is supporting Hillary Clinton with use of her illuminating single 'Suddenly I See.'
  • DMX has no clue who Barack Obama is.
  • And now for some campaign humor! Check out this 'Election' spoof video, which features Hillary Clinton as Reese Witherspoon's character, Tracey Flick.
Get a complete rundown after the jump.

Continue reading Q-Tip Solicits Obama for New Track, Stevie Wonder's Political Trip + More



While the GOP party vote is neatly wrapped up with John McCain as its 2008 contender, the Democrat ticket battle is still raging. After Hillary Clinton's hard-won victories in last week's big Texas and Ohio primaries, it seems that the former first lady still has a chance at the nomination. And so we continue to scour the web for news on who in music is stepping up and speaking out.
  • R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe work rocked a neon-green Barack Obama t-shirt at the band's first live performance of the year at the Langerado festival in Florida.
  • Rolling Stone co-founder Jann S. Wenner offered his formal, might we add glowing, endorsement of Barack Obama in the magazine's March Issue, which also features the Illinois senator as its coverman.
  • Reggae singer Coco Tea is urging people to unite in support of Barack Obama by writing a song about him called ... 'Barack Obama.' The 48-year-old singer has said that "the young people who are supporting him want change -- and that's what he represents."
  • Sick of your ringtone? Hillary has you covered with these Clintones.
Get a complete rundown after the jump.

Continue reading Michael Stipe Wears His Obama Proud, Rolling Stone Mag, Too + More



While GOP candidate John McCain has all but secured his spot in the big Election '08, the Democratic hopefuls are still in a heated battle for delegates. Gear up for tonight's crucial primaries in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont with the latest news on who in music is getting down with politics.
Get a complete rundown of who's supporting whom after the jump.

Continue reading Mos Def Thinks Obama's Pretty, Arcade Fire Ignite for Change + More



Since the beginning of the race, the flip-flopping lead between Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have had political analysts gleefully marveling at the record-breaking turnout in state primaries. But after a recent big run from the Obama camp, it's down to the wire for Clinton this Tuesday, March 4, when primaries in Texas and Ohio may very well seal the fate of the former first lady, who trails her opponent by more than 100 delegates.

And so, the battle surges forward. If there's one thing that's certain about this year's Democratic race, it's that America really cares this time around. Not only has John Q. Voter stepped up to the plate, but many musicians have voiced their allegiances this year, which has us noticing some trends. For example, seasoned divas are pulling for homegirl Hillary. Madonna, Cher, Janet Jackson and Carole King have all sided with the former first lady. Meanwhile, rockers seem firmly planted in the Obama camp, with names like Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, Morrissey, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Win Butler of Arcade Fire Baracking out.

Continue reading Campaignwatch: Music Stars Take Sides in Close Democratic Race

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