No disrespect: Maryland's DNC roll call song choice has some scratching their heads

CHICAGO — Convention roll call votes can be staid and cheesy, but Democrats turned theirs into the ultimate dance party on Tuesday.

DJ Cassidy stood onstage in what appeared to be a double-breasted satin suit of royal blue, spinning a special song for each state and territory awarding their delegates to Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention. What America got was a mashup of an elite karaoke night: Detroit native Eminem's “Lose Yourself” for Michigan, Dropkick Murphys' “I'm Shipping Up to Boston” for Massachusetts and Tupac Shakur's “California Love” for California.

Locally, the District highlighted native son DJ Kool and "Let Me Clear My Throat," and Norfolk, Virginia native Timbaland supplied "The Way I Are" for the Commonwealth's soundtrack. 

But Maryland's "walk-up" music had some people scratching their heads on social media. While Gov. Wes Moore cast the delegations vote, Aretha Franklin's "Respect" played behind him. Franklin was born in Detroit and it seems has no real connection to Maryland. 

Social media users were vexed by the choice.

"Maryland loves Aretha. Everyone does. And no state deserves more R-E-S-P-E-C-T than Maryland. But I have no idea how we ended up with that song in roll call," user @penwhen said on X.

Others thought it was a missed opportunity to revive Sisquo's "Thong Song." The R&B singer and former member of Dru Hill is from Baltimore.

"UGH DNC, MARYLAND PRODUCED DRU HILL, WE COULD HAVE MADE 'THONG SONG' GREAT AGAIN," said user Greglet on X.

Even if a song praising underwear was considered too risky for a political convention, some were still disappointed by the choice. 

"How did Maryland's DNC roll call song be Respect by Aretha? As good as that song is we have some great local musicians and songs that would be better," X user Sarah wrote.

To Sarah's point, here are some other musicians with Maryland roots that could have made the playlist:

Good Charlotte:

Twin brothers Joel and Benji Madden are originally from Waldorf.

All Time Low:

The pop-punk band formed in Towson.

The Go-Go's:

Maybe a stretch, but drummer Gina Schock hails from Baltimore.

Logic:

The rapper was born and raised in Gaithersburg. 

Counting Crows:

Lead singer Adam Duritz was born in Baltimore.

Frank Zappa:

Looking for something a little more left-field? The legendary experimental musician called Baltimore home.

Cab Calloway:

Need a classic? The jazz great spent his formative years in Baltimore.

Future Islands:

Lead singer Samuel Herring, also known as Hemlock Ernst, is the lead singer of the Baltimore-based synth-pop band.

Toni Braxton:

The iconic R&B singer-songwriter is a Severn, Maryland native.

With all these potential bangers with Maryland ties, why did the Maryland delegation go with the Queen of Soul? We are working to get answers.

Here's the list of all the songs played for each state: