Oh 2020… the year of unpredictable things, and to make things more interesting, it’s an election year. While we generally think of politicians as typical suits, these politicians may surprise you with their musical skills.
5. Jon Hunstman – Wizard
Former Governor of Utah and United States Ambassador to Russia and China, Jon Huntsman has been in politics since his early 30s. Before that, it might surprise you to find out he dropped out of high school in the pursuit of being a rock star. Huntsman played the keyboard a cover band called Wizard. However, he quickly learned the lifestyle of a rocker was not for him and the religious beliefs he held dear. His band covered everything from REO Speedwagon to Led Zeppelin.
4. Joe Scarborough – Morning Joe Music (Mystified Music Video)
Former U.S. House of Representatives Member, Joe Scarborough from Florida’s 1st district served from 1995 until 2001. Nowadays, he is known for being the co-host of Morning Joe on MSNBC. Despite not releasing any recorded music until his 2013 EP, Mystified, Scarborough has been doing live performances since shortly after the 9/11 attacks in the United States. In these sets, he and his band covered big names such as Prince and The Eagles. Recently MSNBC unveiled a new song written by Scarborough in honor of the Black Lives Matter movement and the tragic death of George Floyd.
3. John Kerry – The Electras (Only Album)
Most notably the 68th United States Secretary of State, John Kerry served from 2013-2017 working under the Obama administration. This politician however was a member of a high school band in the early 1960s called the Electras, named after a Buick line of cars. Coincidentally in 2004 when Kerry ran for president, the sole album the band recorded was brought back into light and made available to the public.
2. Mike Huckabee – Capitol Offense (Cover of Mustang Sally)
The 44th Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee is a lifelong Republican and even ran for President of the United States in 2016, however suspended his campaign early that year. Huckabee also plays bass guitar for his cover band, Capitol Offense, which got its name from the members working on Capitol Hill as well as “in the course of our playing,” Huckabee said, “we offend just about everybody.” Mike Huckabee wants the world to know that “Republicans can rock” too.
1. John Hall – Orleans (Still the One)
By far the most successful musician on this list, John Hall served as a member of the U.S House of Representatives from New York’s 19th district from 2007 until 2011. With serious skills on guitar and an incredibly unique voice, Hall saw success with his band in the 1970s. Working alongside the likes of Jackson Brown, Janis Joplin, and more, this politician sure could rock.
Although we hold different beliefs whether it be political or religious, the common theme that shows up looking at these musically inclined politicians is that music is diverse and comes in all different forms. Whether we like these individuals or not, it is still pretty cool to see how these old suits used to rock out in their day.
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