Music is at the heart and soul of America, and is one of the things I enjoy most. The idea of a road trip without a good playlist makes me very unhappy, so on this page I want to share some of my favorite songs from or about each state. I hope to arrange them in three categories: The Playlist, Native Sons and Daughters and From The Road. The Playlist will be those songs about each state or region which make me excited to be there, the songs which make me miss a place when I'm gone and the songs which I can sit back in my chair and turn on and instantly return in my head. Native Sons and Daughters will highlight some of my favorite songs by those artists born and raised in that place, and maybe provide, through their songs, a different look at each place. From The Road will highlight those artists I meet or hear on my travels and suggestions from my readers. There will obviously be a lot of crossover between the categories. Here more than anywhere, please chime in with your favorites and your suggestions for me to add to my list, and my collection. Happy listening!
With obvious roots in country and old-time music, West Virginia gives us a lot of music based in reality and hard times but also in what it takes to overcome those obstacles. Unsurprisingly, there is a lot of music which draws from the coal culture as well. And we all know that country roads always take us home to West Virginia.
The birthplace of bluegrass, Kentucky also has a lot of roots in country and old time music. With some big cities, Kentucky also provides a few great urban sounds. Kentucky has given us an amazing array of musicians who may have moved away, but always remember their old Kentucky home.
Music in the Tar Heel State runs the gamut, There is definitely a leaning towards the country and bluegrass sounds of yesterday, but with so many cities and universities in the state, you get a lot of rock, pop and even hip-hop. North Carolina has given us some wonderful musicians as well. I hope you enjoy this playlist.
South Carolina music is pretty diverse. With bluegrass in the mountains of the west, and a laid back beach-vibe beat in the east and cities and college towns in between, you're bound to find something you love in every corner of the state.
Tennessee is just one of those places that has to be heard to be believed. Tennessee is home to two great music cities in Memphis and Nashville and a host of other musical talent. If you visit Tennessee without hearing some great music, you're doing something wrong. Let the incomparable Dolly Parton tell you all about her Tennessee Mountain Home.