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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
