Recommendations of the Editorial team
Zohran Mamdani is about to becoming the first former rapper to become mayor of New York City. But many others have already taken the leap from the stage into politics. Mamdani first became known as the rapper Mr. Cardamom before asserting himself on the political stage with his charismatic appearance and his democratic-socialist stance.
His songs, in which he celebrated his Indian origins and Ugandan roots, already hinted at the political talent that now characterizes him. On the debate stage, he took on former Governor Andrew Cuomo – with a sharpness worthy of rap battles.
However, Mamdani is not the first to swap music for politics. Perhaps it is because of their stage experience that musicians feel comfortable in politics – with varying degrees of success. “American Idol” finalist Clay Aiken ran for Congress twice, country music legend Kinky Friedman wanted to become governor of Texas, and Wyclef Jean tried to run for president in Haiti in 2010 – without success.
Musician with political instincts
Other musicians made the transition more sustainably. Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic became a Democratic Party official in Washington and campaigned for electoral reforms. Max Weinberg, drummer for the E Street Band, worked in the city government of Delray, Florida. And Jon Fishman, drummer and co-founder of Phish, ran for Lincolnville council in Maine. Between touring and politics, he championed ranked-choice voting, a system that was first introduced in the state in 2018. “I could sit around and do nothing,” Fishman said, “but we all have a responsibility to our community.”
Sonny Bono and the road to Washington
The most famous musician-politician is Sonny Bono. As part of the duo Sonny & Cher, he enjoyed global success in the 1960s with “I Got You Babe”. Dissatisfied with the bureaucracy in Palm Springs, he ran for mayor in 1988 – and won. In 1994 he entered the US Congress for California, where he campaigned for environmental projects. After his death in a skiing accident, a copyright law was named after him. Bono remains the only congressman with a number one hit.
John Hall and Martha Reeves
John Hall, singer of Orleans (“Still the One”), became involved in the anti-nuclear power movement early on and sat in the US Congress from 2007. During his time in office, he fought for energy independence and environmental protection. After returning to music, he released the album “Reclaiming My Time” in 2021.
Motown icon Martha Reeves (“Dancing in the Streets”) was elected to the Detroit City Council in 2005. Her campaign wasn’t without its mishaps – an erroneous flyer accidentally referred to her as a member of the Detroit Lions. After four years, she drew a conciliatory conclusion: “It was a unique experience. I’m glad it’s over, but I don’t regret anything.”
Jimmie Davis – the singing governor
Jimmie Davis, of “You Are My Sunshine” fame, became governor of Louisiana in the 1940s. During his first term in office, he promoted education and social welfare – later, in the 1960s, he returned to office, this time as an advocate of racial segregation. The “singing governor” even made a film about himself: Louisiana (1947).
Beto O’Rourke – Punk and Politics
Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke was the bassist for the punk band Foss before entering Congress. Opponents mocked his musical past – but it gave him credibility. O’Rourke acknowledged bands like The Clash and Minor Threat and spoke about the influence of El Paso’s DIY scene. His proximity to the subculture became a symbol of his authenticity.