JOHN LEGEND - LEGEND GIVES OBAMA'S PARTY A BOOST

LEGEND GIVES OBAMA'S PARTY A BOOST

R+B star JOHN LEGEND is giving U.S. presidential candidate BARACK OBAMA and his Democrats a huge boost - debuting new song IF YOU'RE OUT THERE at the party's national convention on Monday night (25Aug08).
The track, which was produced by British music mogul Trevor Horn, is an "anthemic call-to-action and evocation of human potential" according to a statement from Legend's management.
The singer/songwriter will perform the track for the first time at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, where the Democratic National Convention started today (25Aug08).
Legend is among a number of big names performing as part of the week-long convention - Sheryl Crow, Sugarland and Dave Matthews kicked off proceedings on Sunday night (24Aug08) with a pro-Democrat concert at the nearby Red Rocks amphitheatre.
After singing Obama's praises at the Green Sunday at Red Rocks event, Crow said, "We’ve lost the ability to be inspired and he’s stepped up. We are finally inspired by the words that he’s saying."
But Crow and Legend's show won't be the highlight of the convention's opening - ailing politician Ted Kennedy is expected to make an appearance during a tribute to his political career.
Kennedy is recovering from cancer surgery after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour, following a seizure in May (08).
Oprah Winfrey is also sure to be a big draw on Monday when she attends the convention to witness a keynote speech from Obama's wife Michelle.
And, to add to the big celebrity names at the DNC, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will perform the American National Anthem there on Monday evening.