We caught up with "Pass The Mic" host DJ Cassidy, who talked to Hollywood Speaks about his two performances for President Joe Biden's inauguration and why his series is resonating with his fans.
Seven Things You Need to Know:
- DJ Cassidy's first inauguration installment of "Pass The Mic" on Wednesday's "Parade Across America" afternoon celebration, featured Earth, Wind & Fire, Nile Rodgers (Chic) and Kathy Sledge (Sister Sledge). Producers of the event asked him to do a second one for the evening Tom Hanks special.
- This isn't Cassidy's first DJ gig at the White House. In 2008, while playing a fundraising events for Senator Barack Obama, he developed a longstanding relationship that continued throughout both terms of Obama’s presidency.
- The first time Cassidy played at The White House was at an intimate 50th birthday party, alongside Stevie Wonder. On January 20, 2013, the newly elected two-term president invited Cassidy back to the White House for an exclusive inaugural celebration. Cassidy would return to The White House many times during President Obama’s tenure in office, including First Lady Michelle Obama’s 50th birthday, where he shared a stage with Beyoncé, as well as an impromptu party that also included a performance by Prince.
- After the Obamas left the White House, Cassidy’s political journey continued. After traveling the country campaigning for Senator Kamala Harris, Cassidy joined forces with future President Biden in August 2019 to produce and co-host a live, three-hour, virtual event that raised more than one million dollars for the Biden campaign.
- DJ Cassidy, is also a record producer and MC. His trademark boaters, cricket sweaters, bow ties, color-blocked tuxedos, and 24-carat-gold microphone, Cassidy became known for his work at celebrity functions and the 2008 wedding of Beyoncé.
- According to Forbes, Cassidy was performing 200 gigs a year, sometimes earning $100,000 a night. Cassidy worked at parties hosted by Oprah Winfrey, along with several MTV and Grammy parties.
- Cassidy appreciate what his series and music choices have given his millions of fans, especially during these trying times, saying "It’s music that makes people forget their differences and it’s music that makes people unify, so 2020 was this unprecedented year of isolation."