Acclaimed singer-songwriter Jason Isbell delivered a stripped-down rendition of “Something More Than Free” to the 2024 Democratic National Convention on Monday night (Aug. 19). Dressed in a tuxedo with his electric guitar in hand, the GRAMMY Award-winning artist sang lyrics that told a story relatable to many blue-collar Americans.
“I don’t think on why I’m here, where it hurts / I’m just lucky to have the work,” Isbell sang. “Sunday morning, I’m too tired to go to church / But I thank God for the work / I thank God for the work.”
The song served as the title track from Isbell’s celebrated 2015 solo record, which hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Rock, Country, and Folk Albums charts that year. On Oct. 4, Isbell and his band The 400 Unit will release their new album Live From The Ryman Vol. 2, comprised of performances recorded during past sold-out residencies in Nashville.
Earlier in the evening, Mickey Guyton also took the DNC stage in Chicago to share a rendition of her hopeful anthem “All American.” James Taylor is also scheduled to perform on Monday night, with additional acts still to be announced in the coming days.
Watch Jason Isbell perform “Something More Than Free” at the 2024 Democratic National Convention below (via KSDK):
