The Most Influential Song

Music has the power to bring real change, and nothing captures that better than these 20 American songs. From war songs to modern melodies, these are the songs that inspired an entire nation. Of course, that being said, there are way more than 20 songs that are crucial to American history, so this is only a small selection of the music out there.

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1. American Pie

This song has a lot going for it—from the sing-along style and catchy chorus are one thing, but the deeper subject matter surrounds ideas of tragedy and legacy. Not only does it refer to the fatal plane crash of February 1959, but some believe the lyrics also refer to other singers like Bob Dylan, Elvis, and the Beatles. The intricacy of the song and the many ways to read the lines only add to its popularity.

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2. This Land Is Your Land

Similar to Country Roads today, This Land Is Your Land described the vast beauty of the American country. It also promoted ideas of unity and served as a reminder to share this precious land with one another.

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3. We Shall Overcome

This 1947 gospel-style song is synonymous with the Civil Rights Movement and served as an inspiring song encouraging others to stay resilient. Not only is it a protest song, but it also captures American ideals surrounding the fight for freedom and equality.

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4. Dixie

Also known by other names like Dixie’s Land and I Wish I Was in Dixie, this song was about the Southern United States and came out in 1859. Even President Abraham Lincoln was said to have liked the song and played it in his political rallies.

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5. Hotel California

This 1976 song by the Eagles is still popular to this day, and explores the idea of being disillusioned with America. It’s a defining rock song with amazing guitar work and a long, complex story.

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6. St. Louis Blues

This song was composed by W.C. Handy and released in 1914 and was one of the first blues songs to succeed as a pop song. It helped bring blues into the mainstream and popularized an entire genre for years to come.

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7. Born in the U.S.A.

Sung by the legendary Bruce Springsteen in 1984, this song was all about freedom and the American dream. It captures the societal and economic struggles facing the working class and veterans, and inspires Americans to make a change.

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8. What’s Going On

This 1971 song by Marvin Gaye essentially captured a question that was on everyone’s mind, offering poignant commentary on social issues and bringing topics like war and poverty to the forefront. America is all about fighting for freedom and the liberty to pursue one’s dreams, so abolishing issues of injustice was of the utmost importance.

Photograph by Jim Britt, whose other (copyrighted) photos of Gaye from the same session—many of them in full color—can be seen at his website. Originally distributed by Motown Records. on Wikimedia

9. Over the Rainbow

This song was popularized by Judy Garland when she performed it in The Wizard of Oz. Because of this popularity, the song is associated with Hollywood and was included in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry for its cultural and historical significance.

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10. Strange Fruit

This 1939 song by Billie Holiday was pivotal in addressing the realities of racism in America at the time. The song is a bit stark, but Holiday’s delivery adds raw emotion that was hard to deny, and the song stands as a testament to the role of music in societal change.

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11. Sweet Caroline

This 1969 song was sung by Neil Diamond, and is about John F. Kennedy’s daughter Caroline. The song has this warm feeling, and was a hard-hitting ballad that topped the charts and still continues to entrance listeners.

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12. Hound Dog

Elvis Presley’s rendition of Hound Dog in 1956 was quite a moment, as it helped bring rock music into the mainstream. Keep in mind that Presley was inspired by singers like Big Mama Thornton, but his rendition certainly helped bring the style of music into the limelight.

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13. Rock Around the Clock

Of course, we can’t give credit to Presley’s rock and roll impact without mentioning the song that started it all. Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets came out in 1954 and was the first rock and roll record to top the pop charts in the U.S.

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14. A Change Is Gonna Come

This song sung by Sam Cooke in 1964 was all about the Civil Rights Movement. It captured an aura of hopefulness, and Cooke used his powerful vocals to sing for equality and inspire future generations to continue this pursuit.

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15. The Battle of New Orleans

This song was originally written in 1936 but gained popularity when sung by Johnny Horton in 1959, where it even hit the number one spot on the Billboard. The song told the story of a battle from the perspective of an American soldier, and is considered one of the great Western songs.

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16. Rapper’s Delight

This 1979 song was released by the Sugarhill Gang and is considered the work that brought hip hop into the American mainstream. It’s a landmark track blending contemporary beats with playful lyrics, and was quick to capture a whole generation.

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17. Like a Rolling Stone

When Bob Dylan came out with Like a Rolling Stone, he revolutionized what music could be. His lyrics were complex, and explored sophisticated themes surrounding identity and alienation, which are important issues in the American landscape.

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18. Country Roads

This song was sung by John Denver in 1971 and is still a hit at karaoke bars. The song describes the American landscape and celebrates everything from the majestic mountains to the old-growth forests that make up the beautiful country.

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19. Respect

This 1967 song by Aretha Franklin is still a popular choice to this day, and that’s probably because of the clever lyrics and strong vocal performance. This song is about civil rights and feminism, and demands recognition and dignity for marginalized communities.

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20. The Star-Spangled Banner

This song was written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key and is the ultimate symbol of American nationalism. It became an anthem during the War of 1812, and to this day is considered a symbol of American patriotism.

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