Six Musicians Who Held Political Office

Americans took to the poles to vote in the general election yesterday, electing new officials to public office. As Democrats and Republicans celebrate their wins and losses, the music community also gets to celebrate as two of their own, New York’s Justin Brannan (Indecision, Most Precious Blood) and Danica Roem (Cab Ride Home), were elected to office.

There has been a long history of musicians getting into politics. Sure, there are a lot of bands and artists that write songs about politics and ideology, but there are also those that feel compelled to run for office. Artists such as former 98 Degrees member Justin Jeffre, Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic, comedic singer Kinky Friedman, Blur’s Dave Rowntree, Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra and many others ran without much success. ‘American Idol’ alum Clay Aiken came close to being elected as a congressman in North Carolina in 2014. Then there are those, like Brannan and Roem, who succeeded in their attempts to hold office.

In honor of the election, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at musicians who have held political office. Here are six that have been able to make a difference in their respective countries at a higher level.

1.       Sonny Bono: Following his long musical career with second wife Cher, the late Sonny Bono ran for mayor of Palm Springs, California in 1988 and won, holding the position for four years. After his term ended in 1992, he threw his hat in the ring to become a Republican candidate for Senate, but lost. Two years later he ran for office again, this time for a spot in the House of Representatives, a position he would hold until his untimely death in 1998. Bono became known for his work on copyright, even getting a bill named after him posthumously.

2.       Martha Reeves: As leader of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and solo artist all her own, Martha Reeves continues to entertain scores of fans with hits like “Dancing in the Street” and “Heat Wave.” But in 2005, she felt it important to put music aside for a while and run for city council in Detroit. She would hold a position on the council for one, four-year term before losing her reelection campaign in 2009 and picking up her music career where it left off.

3.       Peter Garrett: Though he had run for a position on the Australian Senate in 1984, Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett was more successful the second time around. Quitting the band in 2002, he ran for and won a position in the country’s House of Representatives in 2004. That led to various appointments on environmental protection and the arts and education committees. Garrett remained in office until 2013 when his controversies got the best of his political career and he resigned. He is currently back with Midnight Oil, who are currently finishing up a world tour.

4.       Jerry Butler: As a solo artist and member of the Impressions, Jerry Butler had a long recording career that lasted for more than three decades. His last recording was released in 1983, two years before running for Cook County Board Commissioner in 1985, a position he still holds to this day.

5.       John Hall: Taking his second leave of absence from his role as frontman for New York rock band Orleans, John Hall ran for a spot in the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 19^th District, beating out the incumbent by a narrow margin. He was reelected in 2008, but lost in 2010. He is currently back to fronting Orleans.

6.       Einar Orn: Following his time with Icelandic rock band The Sugarcubes, solo projects and working behind the scenes, Einar Orn decided to run for city council in Reykjavik without any prior political experience. The vocalist and trumpet player won his election and spent four years chairing the culture and tourism committee. When election time came around in 2014, his party, the Best Party, disbanded.

It is not unusual for musicians to get involved in politics, using their platform to bring attention to issues close to their hearts. But there are a handful of artists who take it to the next level and run for office to make themselves heard. And whether they win or lose, their campaigns help succeed in bringing about change.

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Find music from some of these political artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.