Weekly Wisdom | 25 for 250: An Exploration of American Music

In honor of America’s semiquincentennial, I present this carefully curated Spotify playlist celebrating the richness and diversity of American music.

I didn’t set out to create a playlist consisting solely of patriotic songs. Instead, I wanted to create a musical journey through America’s history, geography, people, and artistic achievements. Patriotic hymns stand alongside Gershwin, Elvis, Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, James Brown, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many others because, together, they help tell the story of America.

From stirring anthems and military marches to jazz, classical, country, rock, soul, pop, and hip-hop, each selection was chosen not only for its individual greatness, but also for the role it plays in the journey from the first song to the last.

I hope you enjoy listening to this playlist as much as I enjoyed creating it. Happy 250th, America!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5hISx4LHCmLYEA7SLdB6ym?si=8af89b6bdcde4f18