The United States of America Playlist

4/1/2020

Lately, we’ve been acting more like the Divided States of America than the united ones. As this global pandemic sweeps across our country, it’s more important now than ever that we band together to squash this threat to our health and way of life.

It’s with that spirit in mind that, for the next 50 days, we're paying tribute, Fifty Nifty style, to each state in our country. We’re all in this together, and together we will get through this. Stay strong, everyone, and hold the line.

1. ALABAMA

Statehood: Dec. 14, 1819 (22)
Capital: Montgomery
Nicknames: Yellowhammer State, Heart of Dixie
State Bird: Yellowhammer
State Tree: Southern Longleaf Pine
State Flower: Camellia
State Animal: American Black Bear
State Motto: "Audemus jura nostra defendere." (Latin: We dare defend our rights)
State Fruit: Blackberry
State Song: “Alabama” (1931)

Trivia: The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is hosted in Montgomery and is the sixth largest Shakespeare festival in the U.S. and thirteenth largest in the world.

Released from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1974 album, Second Helping, “Sweet Home Alabama” was written as a response to Neil Young’s “Alabama” and “Southern Man.” The song reached No. 8 on Billboard Hot 100 and became the band’s second hit single.

2. ALASKA

Statehood: Jan. 3, 1959 (49)
Capital: Juneau
Nicknames: The Last Frontier, Land of the Midnight Sun
State Bird: Willow Ptarmigan
State Tree: Sitka Spruce
State Flower: Forget-Me-Not
State Animal: Moose
State Motto: "North to the future."
State Fish: Giant King Salmon
State Song: “Alaska’s Flag” (1959)

Trivia: Alaska is the largest state, by land mass, in the union. Juneau is the second-largest city in the U.S. and is bigger (land-wise) than both Rhode Island and Delaware.

Fun Fact Rumor: We heard that Alaskans refer to anything medium-sized as “Texas-sized.” It’s their way of jabbing Texans for being so boastful about the size of their state.

"North to Alaska" was recorded by Johnny Horton and released in 1960 for the movie, North to Alaska, starring John Wayne. The song plays over the opening credits and gives the backstory of the film. It hit the top spot on Billboard Hot Country and peaked at No. 4 on Billboard Hot 100.

3: Arizona

Statehood: Feb. 14, 1912 (48)
Capital: Phoenix
Nicknames: The Grand Canyon State, The Copper State, The Valentine State
State Bird: Cactus Wren
State Tree: Palo Verde
State Flower: Saguaro Cactus Blossom
State Animal: Ring-Tailed Cat
State Motto: "Ditat Deus." (God enriches)
State Reptile: Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake
State Song: “The Arizona March Song” (1919), "Arizona" (1981)

Trivia: Arizona is home to Grand Canyon National Park, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. It is also home to the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the United States.

“Arizona” was written and performed by Rex Allen, Jr. and included on his 1981 album, Cats in the Cradle. Arizona state legislature designated the tune as the alternate state song in 1982.

4: Arkansas

Statehood: June 15, 1836 (25)
Capital: Little Rock
Nicknames: The Natural State
State Bird: Mockingbird
State Tree: Pine Tree
State Flower: Apple Blossom
State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
State Motto: "Regnat populas." (Latin: The people rule)
State Dance: Square Dance
State Song: “Oh, Arkansas” (1986)

Trivia: The State’s fruit and vegetable is the South Arkansas vine ripe pink tomato. In 1881, a dispute had arisen between the state's two senators over the pronunciation of Arkansas. One favored AR-ken-saw while the other preferred Ar-KAN-zes. The state legislature ruled with the former and defined the official pronunciation of Arkansas as having a silent "s" at the end. Today, Arkansans often use both pronunciations.

“Here in Arkansas” was written by Candy Lee and submitted to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism 2014 Song of Arkansas contest. It appears on Lee’s album, Human Conditions (2014).

5: California

Statehood: Sept. 9, 1850 (31)
Capital: Sacramento
Nicknames: The Golden State
State Bird: California Quail
State Tree: Coast Redwood & Giant Sequoia
State Flower: California Poppy
State Animal: California Grizzly Bear
State Motto: “Eureka!”
State Sport: Surfing
State Song: “I Love You California” (1913)

Trivia: California’s economy is the largest sub-national economy in the world. If Cali were a country, it would be the fifth-largest economy in the world (larger than the UK, France, and India).

From her 1971 album Blue, “California” was written by Joni Mitchell and released as a follow-up to “Carey.” Mitchell wrote “California” while living in France. James Taylor played the guitar on the original recording, and Wilson Phillips covered the song on their 2004 album, California.

6: Colorado

Statehood: Aug. 1, 1876 (38)
Capital: Denver
Nicknames: The Centennial State
State Bird: Lark Bunting
State Tree: Colorado Blue Spruce
State Flower: Rocky Mountain Columbine
State Animal: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
State Motto: "Nil sine numine." (Nothing without providence)
State Sport: Pack Burro Racing
State Song: “Where the Columbines Grow” (1911)

Trivia: Colorado is nicknamed the Centennial State because it became a state one century after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. According to several studies, Coloradans have the lowest rates of obesity and longest life expectancy (80 years) of any state. Colorado was the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal (2000), industrial (2013), and recreational (2014) purposes.

“Colorado Bluebird Sky” is the first track on The String Cheese Incident’s sixth studio album, Song In My Head (2014). The heart-pumping bluegrass jam features Chris Pandolfi on the banjo.

7: Connecticut

Statehood: Jan. 9, 1788 (5)
Capital: Hartford
Nicknames: The Constitution State, The Nutmeg State, The Provisions State, The Land of Steady Habits
State Bird: American Robin
State Tree: Charter Oak
State Flower: Mountain Laurel
State Animal: Sperm Whale
State Motto: “Qui transtulit Sustinet" (Latin: He who transplanted still sustains)
State Fossil: Dinosaur Tracks
State Song: “Yankee Doodle” (unknown)

Trivia: The state is named after the Connecticut River, which is the longest river in New England and basically cuts the state in half. The word ‘Connecticut’ comes from various spellings of an Algonquian word for “long tidal river.” Though it is the third smallest state by area, it boasts the highest personal income per capita of any state. It also has the second-largest income gap between the rich and the poor and the third-largest number of millionaires per capita.

“Connecticut” was written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and recorded by Bing Crosby and Judy Garland in 1945 for the album, Bing Crosby Sings with Judy Garland, Mary Martin, Johnny Mercer (1948).

8: Delaware

Statehood: Dec. 7, 1787 (1)
Capital: Dover
Nicknames: The First State, The Small Wonder, Blue Hen State, The Diamond State
State Bird: Delaware Blue Hen
State Tree: American Holly
State Flower: Peach Blossom
State Animal: Gray Fox
State Motto: “Liberty and Independence”
State Beverage: Milk
State Song: “Our Delaware” (1925)

Trivia: Due to its business-friendly corporation law, more than half of all publicly-traded companies in the country (63% of the Fortune 500) are incorporated in Delaware. The state has more registered corporations (over a million and climbing) than it does people.

“Delaware Slide” is from George Thorogood & The Destroyers’ 1977 album, George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Though the song was never released as a single, we think it’s a mighty good jam.

9: Florida

Statehood: March 3, 1845 (27)
Capital: Tallahassee
Nicknames: The Sunshine State
State Bird: Northern Mockingbird
State Tree: Sabal Palmetto
State Flower: Orange Blossom
State Animal: Florida Panther, Manatee, Bottlenose Dolphin, Florida Cracker Horse
State Motto: “In God We Trust”
State Beverage: Orange Juice
State Song: “Old Folks at Home” (1851)

Trivia: Florida has the lowest high-point, the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, and the second-highest number of islands of any state (Alaska has more). The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States and the third-largest in the world.

“Mainline Florida” is from Eric Clapton’s 1974 album, 461 Ocean Boulevard. It was originally released as a B-side for “Willie and the Hand Jive.”

10: Georgia

Statehood: Jan. 2, 1788 (4)
Capital: Atlanta
Nicknames: Peach State, Empire State of the South
State Bird: Brown Thrasher
State Tree: Live Oak
State Flower: Cherokee Rose
State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
State Motto: “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation”
State Insect: Honeybee
State Song: “Georgia on My Mind” (1930)

Trivia: Georgia is the biggest pecan producer in the world and in the top five blueberry producers in the United States. It also hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Originally titled “Midnight Plane to Houston,” Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded “Midnight Train to Georgia” for their 1973 album, Imagination. The song hit No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy.

11: Hawaii

Statehood: Aug. 21, 1959 (50)
Capital: Honolulu
Nicknames: The Aloha State, Paradise of the Pacific, The Islands of Aloha, The 808 State
State Bird: Nene
State Tree: Kukui Tree
State Flower: Pua Aloalo
State Fish: Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
State Motto: “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Aina I ka Pono” (The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness)
State Dance: Hula
State Song: “Hawai’I Pono’T” / “Hawai'i’s Own True Sons” (1874)

Trivia: Hawai'i is the only state located outside North America and is the only island state. It includes 137 islands and spreads 1,500 miles. The spelling in the Hawaiian language is Hawai’i. Its tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, is 13,796 ft. above sea level. If measured from the base, which is on the floor of the Pacific Ocean, it would be taller than Mount Everest.

Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, “Hawaii” was released from The Beach Boys’ 1963 album, Surfer Girl. The song was released in Australia where it charted at No. 2.

12: Idaho

Statehood: July 3, 1890 (43)
Capital: Boise
Nicknames: Gem State
State Bird: Mountain Bluebird
State Tree: Western White Pine
State Flower: Syringa
State Horse: Appaloosa
State Motto: “Esto Perpetua” (Let It Be Perpetual)
State Vegetable: Potato
State Song: “Here We Have Idaho” (1917)

Trivia: Idaho produces one-third of the potatoes grown in the United States. The state is home to many corporations on account of being the second most small business friendly state. It is also one of the few states without a major highway linking its two busiest cities, Boise in the south and Coeur d’Alene in the north.

“Private Idaho” was released by The B-52’s from their 1980 album, Wild Planet. It marked their second hit on Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 74. The title was later used in Gus Van Sant’s 1991 movie, My Own Private Idaho.

13:

Statehood: Dec. 3, 1818 (21)
Capital: Springfield
Nicknames: Land of Lincoln, Prairie State
State Bird: Northern Cardinal
State Tree: White Oak
State Flower: Violet
State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
State Motto: “State Sovereignty, National Union”
State Food: Gold Rush Apple, Popcorn
State Song: “Illinois” (1890s)

Trivia: Illinois minimum wage is set to raise to $15 per hour by 2025, which would make one of the highest in the country. Also, three U.S. presidents have been elected while living in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Barack Obama.

Written by Randy Newman, “Illinois” was recorded by The Everly Brothers for their 1968 album, Roots. The song was never released as a single.

14: Indiana

Statehood: Dec. 11, 1816 (19)
Capital: Indianapolis
Nicknames: The Hoosier State
State Bird: Cardinal
State Tree: Tulip Tree
State Flower: Peony
State Insect: Say’s Firefly
State Motto: “The Crossroads of America”
State Sport: Basketball
State Song: “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” (1897)

Trivia: Indiana means “Land of Indians.” A resident of Indiana is known as a Hoosier. The origin of the word is debated, but many believe it came from the south and was a term for a backwoodsman or a country bumpkin. Despite the slight, Indiana is home to several major universities including Indiana University, Notre Dame, and Purdue.

“Indiana Sky” is from Josh Garrels’ 2009 album, Lost Animals, which was apparently intended to be an EP instead of an album.

15: Iowa

Statehood: Dec. 27, 1846 (29)
Capital: Des Moines
Nicknames: Hawkeye State
State Bird: Eastern Goldfinch
State Tree: Bur Oak
State Flower: Prairie Rose
State Grass: Pseudoroegneria Spicata
State Motto: “Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain”
State Rock: Geode
State Song: “The Song of Iowa” (1867)

Trivia: Madison County is known for its covered bridges, and for being the home of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum (located in Winterset). The state also gets world-wide attention every four years because of the Iowa Caucus.

“The Iowa Waltz” is the lead track from Greg Brown’s 1981 studio album, The Iowa Waltz. The album was re-issued in 1984 by Red House Records.

16: Kansas

Statehood: Jan. 29, 1861 (34)
Capital: Topeka
Nicknames: The Sunflower State, The Wheat State, The Jayhawker State, The Free State
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Tree: Plains Cottonwood
State Flower: Wild Sunflower
State Animal: American Bison
State Motto: “As Astra Per Aspera” (Latin: To the Stars Through Difficulties)
State Insect: Western Honey Bee
State Song: “Home on the Range” (1872)

Trivia: The rock band Kansas was formed in Topeka, the hometown of several group members. It also has a strong presence in literature with great works like Little House on the Prairie, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Clark Kent/Superman is from the fictional town of Smallville, Kansas.

“Kansas Rain” is the lead track from John Stewart, former member of The Kingston Trio’s 1972 album Sunstorm.

17: Kentucky

Statehood: June 1, 1792 (15)
Capital: Frankfort
Nicknames: Bluegrass State
State Bird: Cardinal
State Tree: Tulip Poplar
State Flower: Goldenrod
State Animal: Gray Squirrel
State Motto: “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”
State Food: Blackberry
State Song: “My Old Kentucky Home” (1852)

Trivia: Kentucky has the world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park, and has more navigable miles of water than any other state in the union, except Alaska. It also ranks fourth in the country on number of cars and trucks assembled.

“Kentucky Rain” was written by Eddie Rabbit and Dick Heard and marks the first hit for Elvis Presley of the 1970s. The song was not included on any album until the compilation Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits Vol. 1.

18: Louisiana

Statehood: April 30, 1812 (18)
Capital: Baton Rouge
Nicknames: Bayou State, Creole State, Pelican State
State Bird: Brown Pelican
State Tree: Bald Cypress
State Flower: Magnolia
State Animal: Black Bear
State Motto: “Union, Justice, Confidence”
State Reptile: Alligator
State Song: “Give Me Louisiana” (1970), “You Are My Sunshine” (1939)

Trivia: Louisiana is the only state with political subdivisions called parishes (64 total), which are like counties. The entire state averages over 60 days of thunderstorms a year, second highest in the country behind Florida. It is also home to the Kisatchie National Forest.

Written by Bob McDill, “Louisiana Saturday Night” was recorded by Mel McDaniel for his 1981 album, I'm Countryfied. It was originally recorded by Don Williams but is often mistaken as an Alabama or Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song.

19: Maine

Statehood: March 15, 1820 (23)
Capital: Augusta
Nicknames: The Pine Tree State, Vacationland
State Bird: Chickadee
State Tree: Eastern White Pine
State Flower: White Pine Cone
State Animal: Moose
State Motto: “Dirigo” (Latin: I Lead)
State Crustacean: Lobster
State Song: “State of Maine” (1937)

Trivia: It is the northernmost state east of the Great Lakes and is the only state to border only one other state with New Hampshire to its west, the Atlantic Ocean to its southeast, and Canada to its north. Over 80% of Maine is either forested and/or unclaimed land, the most of any state in the country. Though known for its lobster and other seafood, Maine is one of the largest blueberry producers in the world.

“Maine” is the fifth track on Wayne from Maine’s 2009 children’s album, Happy As a Clam. The song “Moose in Mooseachoosetts” is also highly recommended.

20: Maryland

Statehood: April 28, 1788 (7)
Capital: Annapolis
Nicknames: Old Line State, Free State, Little America, America in Miniature
State Bird: Baltimore Oriole
State Tree: White Oak
State Flower: Black-Eyed Susan
State Animal: Calico Cat
State Motto: “Fatti Maschil, Parole Femine” (Latin: “Strong Deeds, Gentle Words”)
State Sport: Jousting, Lacrosse
State Song: “Maryland, My Maryland” (1861)

Trivia: Sixteen of the 23 counties in Maryland border the Chesapeake Bay estuary, creating 4,000 miles of shoreline. As of 2015, Maryland had the highest median income of any state, and it has one of the highest numbers of historic landmarks per capita.

“Maryland” is from Jesus Jones’ 1991 album, Doubt. The song wasn’t released as a single, instead songs like “Right Here, Right Now” took center stage.

21: Massachusetts

Statehood: Feb. 6, 1788 (6)
Capital: Boston
Nicknames: The Bay State, The Pilgrim State, The Puritan State, The Old Colony State, The Baked Bean State
State Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee
State Tree: American Elm
State Flower: Mayflower
State Animal: Right Whale, Boston Terrier
State Motto: Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem (Latin: By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)
State Fish: Cod
State Song: “All Hail to Massachusetts” (1966)

Trivia: Officially known as Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it is the most populous state in the New England region. Originally dependent on agriculture, fishing, and trade, Massachusetts was turned into a manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution.

Written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, Bee Gees released “(The Lights Went Out In) Massachusetts” as a single in 1967. It was later included on their 1968 album, Horizontal. The song became the first of five No. 1 hits in the UK for the group. When the brothers wrote the song, they had never been to Massachusetts but was intended to be a statement against the “flower power movement” that was encouraging everyone to move to San Francisco.

22: Michigan

Statehood: Jan. 26, 1837 (26)
Capital: Lansing
Nicknames: The Great Lake(s) State, The Wolverine State, The Mitten State, Water (Winter) Wonderland
State Bird: American Robin
State Tree: Eastern White Pine
State Flower: Apple Blossom
State Animal: Wolverine, White-Tailed Deer
State Motto: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice (Latin: If you see a pleasant peninsula, look about you)
State Reptile: Painted Turtle
State Song: “My Michigan” (1862)

Trivia: Michigan is the only state that consists of two peninsulas. The Lower Peninsula is shaped like a mitten and is separated from the Upper Peninsula (called “the U.P.”) by the Straits of Mackinac, a five-mile channel that joins Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. The peninsulas are connected by the Mackinac Bridge.

“Especially in Michigan” is from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2006 album, Stadium Arcadium. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Anthony Kiedis wrote the song for his home state.

23: Minnesota

Statehood: May 11, 1858 (32)
Capital: Saint Paul
Nicknames: Land of 10,000 Lakes, North Star State. The Gopher State, Agate State, True North, State of Hockey
State Bird: Common Loon
State Tree: Norway Pine
State Flower: Pink-and-White Lady’s Slipper
State Fish: Walleye
State Motto: L’Etoile du Nord (French: The Star of the North)
State Butterfly: Monarch
State Song: “Hail! Minnesota” (1904)

Trivia: Minnesota’s standard of living is ranked third in the nation and its people are among the best-educated, and wealthiest in the nation. Massive ice sheets 12,000 years ago (Wisconsin Glaciation) sculpted much of Minnesota’s terrain. Much of the state has 50 feet or more of glacial till left over.

“Minnesoter” is from The Dandy Warhols’ second studio album, Come Down (1997). It is the third track on the album but was never released as a single.

24: Mississippi

Statehood: Dec. 10, 1817 (20)
Capital: Jackson
Nicknames: The Magnolia State, The Hospitality State
State Bird: Northern Mockingbird
State Tree: Southern Magnolia
State Flower: Magnolia
State Reptile: Alligator
State Motto: Virtute et armis (Latin: By valor and arms)
State Food: Sweet Potato
State Song: “Go, Mississippi” (1962)

Trivia: Mississippi’s state dance is clogging. The northwestern part of the state, between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers, is known as the Mississippi Delta and has been called “The Most Southern Place on Earth.” It is also the only state where people can legally consumer beer in their cars.

“Mississippi Delta” is from Bobbie Gentry’s debut album, Ode to Billie Joe (1967), and was the song that initially got Gentry signed to Capitol Records. It was included on her demo she sent to producers and was intended to be the A-side of her first single. Producers decided to flip it and made “Mississippi Delta” the B-side to “Ode to Billie Joe” instead.

25: Missouri

Statehood: Aug. 10, 1821 (24)
Capital: Jefferson City
Nicknames: Show Me State, Cave State, Mother of the West
State Bird: Eastern Bluebird
State Tree: Flowering Dogwood
State Flower: White Hawthorn
State Animal: Missouri Mule
State Motto: Salus populi suprema lex esto (Laton: Let the good of the people be the supreme law.
State Instrument: Fiddle
State Song: “Missouri Waltz” (1914)

Trivia: Missouri is bordered by eight states, tying Tennessee for the most neighbors by land. Missouri played an extensive role in westward expansion in the Unites States. The Pony Express, Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, and California Trail all began in Missouri.

“Missouri Waltz” is the state song of Missouri. Originally a minstrel song and first published in 1914, Johnny Cash recorded “Missouri Waltz” in 2006 for his album, Personal Files.

26: Montana

Statehood: Nov. 8, 1889 (41)
Capital: Helena
Nicknames: Big Sky Country, The Treasure State
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Tree: Ponderosa Pine
State Flower: Bitterroot
State Animal: Grizzly Bear
State Motto: Oro y Plata (Spanish: Gold and Silver)
State Fish: Westslope Cutthroat Trout
State Song: “Montana” (1945)

Trivia: Montana’s fastest-growing sector is tourism. Nearly 13 million people flock to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Highway, Flathead Lake, Big Sky Resort, and other cool places in Montana.

“Wild Montana Skies” is from John Denver’s 1983 albu, It’s About Time, and features Emmylou Harris. It was the only single released from the album, and members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western Songs of All Time.

27: Nebraska

Statehood: March 1, 1867 (37)
Capital: Lincoln
Nicknames: Cornhusker State
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Tree: Eastern Cottonwood
State Flower: Tall Goldenrod
State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
State Motto: Equally before the law
State Soft Drink: Kool-Aid
State Song: “Beautiful Nebraska” (1960)

Trivia: In Nebraska, the Chinook wind warms the state significantly in the winter and early spring. In 1927, Edwin Perkins created Kool-Aid in the city of Hastings, and Omaha is home to Berkshire Hathaway whose CEO, Warren Buffett, is ranked one of the richest people in the world.

“Nebraska Sunrise” is from Buddy Knox’s 1957 album, Party Doll, but was never released as a single.

28: Nevada

Statehood: Oct. 31, 1864 (36)
Capital: Carson City
Nicknames: The Silver State, Sagebrush State, Battle Born State
State Bird: Mountain Bluebird
State Tree: Bristlecone Pine
State Flower: Sagebrush
State Animal: Desert Bighorn Sheep
State Motto: All for Our Country
State Reptile: Desert Tortoise
State Song: “Home Means Nevada” (1932)

Trivia: Nevada has 172 mountain summits and is ranked second in the United States (behind Alaska) for number of mountains. Being made up of desert (Mojave Desert) and semi-arid climates, Nevada is the direst state in the country with an average annual rainfall of about 7 inches.

“Stop in Nevada” is the seventh track on Billy Joel’s 1973 album, Piano Man. Though that album is full of hits, “Stop in Nevada” was never released as a single.

29: New Hampshire

Statehood: June 21, 1788 (9)
Capital: Concord
Nicknames: The Granite State, The White Mountain State
State Bird: Purple Finch
State Tree: White Birch
State Flower: Purple Lilac
State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
State Motto: Live Free or Die
State Fruit: Pumpkin
State Song: “Old New Hampshire” (1926)

Trivia: It’s called the Granite State because of its extensive granite formations and quarries. New Hampshire has no general sales tax or income tax, except on interest and dividends. It is also the first primary state in the United States presidential election cycle. It was the first state to create a government independent of Great Britain, as well as the first to establish its own state constitution.

“New Hampshire” is from Matt Pond PA’s album, Emblems (2004). The song is the sixth track on the album but was never released as a single.

30: New Jersey

Statehood: Dec. 18, 1787 (3)
Capital: Trenton
Nicknames: The Garden State
State Bird: Eastern Goldfinch
State Tree: Northern Red Oak
State Flower: Viola Sororia
State Animal: Horse
State Motto: Liberty and prosperity
State Food: Northern Highbush Blueberry
State Song (Unofficial): “I’m from New Jersey” (Red Mascara)

Trivia: New Jersey is the most densely populated of the 50 United States, with nearly 9 million people living in an area about 8,800 square miles big. It is the second wealthiest state and is home to the highest number of millionaires per capita. Its public school system ranks among the top in the country.

“Jersey Bounce” was written by Tiny Bradshaw, Eddie Johnson, and Bobby Platter with lyrics by Buddy Feyne (Robert B. Wright). Ella Fitzgerald covered the song for her 1961 album, Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie.

31: New Mexico

Statehood: Jan. 6, 1912 (47)
Capital: Santa Fe
Nicknames: Land of Enchantment
State Bird: Greater Roadrunner
State Tree: Two-Needle Piñon
State Flower: Yucca
State Animal: American Black Bear
State Motto: Crescit eundo (It grows as it goes)
State Food: Chili Peppers, Pinto Beans, Biscochitos
State Song: “O Fair New Mexico” (1917)

Trivia: During the 1940s, Project Y of the Manhattan Project built the first atomic bomb and nuclear test, Trinity, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. It currently has the highest percentage of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the country and the second-highest population of Native Americans (second only to Alaska).

“Under New Mexico Skies” was written by Syd Masters and included on his album, The Cowboy Sings (1989). New Mexico Music Commission designated it as the official state cowboy song in 2009.

32: New York

Statehood: July 26, 1788 (11)
Capital: Albany
Nicknames: The Empire State
State Bird: Eastern Bluebird
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Flower: Rose
State Animal: North American Beaver
State Motto: Excelsior (Latin: Ever upward)
State Food: Apple
State Song: “I Love New York” (1977)

Trivia: Two-thirds of the state’s population live in the New York metropolitan area, nearly 40% in Long Island. New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the gateway for immigration to the country. The state is home to at least four of the ten most-visited tourist attractions in the world – Times Square, Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, and Niagara Falls.

Don Henley originally recorded “New York Minute” for his 1989 album, The End of the Innocence. Eagles performed a cover of the song during their 1994 Hell Freezes Over tour.

33: North Carolina

Statehood: Nov. 21, 1789 (12)
Capital: Raleigh
Nicknames: Old North State, Tar Heel State
State Bird: Cardinal
State Tree: Longleaf Pine
State Flower: Flowering Dogwood
State Animal: Virginia Opossum
State Motto: Esse quam videri (Latin: To be, rather than to seem)
State Food: Scuppernong Grapes, Sweet Potato
State Song: “The Old North State” (1835)

Trivia: On Dec. 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright the world’s first flight at Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The slogan ‘First in Flight’ is on the state’s license plate. There is a second license plate slogan, ‘First in Freedom,’ which is a reference to the Mecklenburg Declaration.

“North Carolina” is from Little Chief’s 2013 EP, Somewhere Near the River and on their 2014 debut album, Lion’s Den.

34: North Dakota

Statehood: Nov. 2, 1889 (39/40)
Capital: Bismarck
Nicknames: Peace Garden State, Roughrider State, Flickertail State
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Tree: American Elm
State Flower: Wild Prairie Rose
State Animal: Nokota Horse
State Motto: Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable
State Fruit: Chokecherry
State Song: “North Dakota Hymn” (1926)

Trivia: North Dakota has the tallest man-made structure in the Western Hemisphere, the KVLY-TV mast. The state’s economy heavily relies on agriculture. The chief crop, wheat, is grown on farms and ranches that stretch across nearly the whole state, from the Red River Valley in the east to the rugged Badlands in the west.

“North Dakota” is a single from the sister group, Tigirlily. It was released in 2013 and has a music video with plenty of scenic shots of the duo’s home state.

35: Ohio

Statehood: March 1, 1803 (17)
Capital: Columbus
Nicknames: The Buckeye State, Birthplace of Aviation, The Heart of It All
State Bird: Cardinal
State Tree: Buckeye
State Flower: Red Carnation
State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
State Motto: With God, all things are possible
State Beverage: Tomato Juice
State Song: “Beautiful Ohio” (1969)

Trivia: Ohioans are known as “Buckeyes” on account of the abundance of buckeye trees. It is the second-largest manufacturer of automobiles, behind Michigan, and the third-largest state for manufacturing. Ohio also has 228 miles of the Historic National Road, now US Route 40.

“Ohio” was originally released on The Black Keys’ 2010 album, Brothers, as a bonus track. The band is from Akron, Ohio.

36: Oklahoma

Statehood: Nov. 16, 1907 (46)
Capital: Oklahoma City
Nicknames: Native America, Land of the Red Man, Sooner State
State Bird: Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher
State Tree: Redbud
State Flower: Oklahoma Rose (Wildflower: Indian Blanket)
State Animal: American Bison
State Motto: Labor omnia vincit (Latin: Work conquers all)
State Vegetable: Watermelon
State Song: “Oklahoma” (1943)

Trivia: Oklahoma is among the most geographically diverse states in the country. It is one of four states to harbor more than 10 distinct ecological regions. With 11 in its borders, it’s the most per square mile than any other state. Two-thirds of the population live in either Oklahoma City or Tulsa. Both cities are reliant heavily on the oil and gas industry, with Tulsa being known as the “Oil Capital of the World” for most of the 20th Century.

“Oklahoma” was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for the 1943 Broadway musical, Oklahoma. Oklahoma adopted the song as its state song in 1953 and is the only official state song that comes from a musical.

37: Oregon

Statehood: Feb. 14, 1859 (33)
Capital: Salem
Nicknames: The Beaver State
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Tree: Douglas-Fir
State Flower: Oregon Grape
State Animal: American Beaver
State Motto: Alis volat propriis (Latin: She flies with her own wings)
State Food: Pear
State Song: “Oregon, My Oregon” (1920)

Trivia: At 11,249 feet, Mt. Hood, a stratovolcano, is the state’s highest point. Crater Lake National Park is home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the Unites States. The state’s largest public corporation, Nike (headquartered in Beaverton), has an annual revenue of $30.6 billion.

“Oregon Trail” is the lead track on Woody Guthrie’s Columbia River Collection album (1987). The album was originally released as Columbia River Ballads is a compilation of songs Guthrie wrote while traveling through Oregon and Washington in 1941.

38: Pennsylvania

Statehood: Dec. 12, 1787 (2)
Capital: Harrisburg
Nicknames: Keystone State, Quaker State
State Bird: Ruffed Grouse
State Tree: Eastern Hemlock
State Flower: Mountain Laurel
State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
State Motto: Virtue, Liberty and Independence
State Food: Chocolate Chip Cookie
State Song: “Pennsylvania” (1955)

Trivia: Pennsylvania is home to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was drafted. It is also home to Dickinson College of Carlisle, the country’s first college, a large Amish population, Three Mile Island, and Hershey.

“Pennsylvania” is from Heart’s 2012 studio album, Fanatic. It is the sixth track on the album but was never released as a single.

39: Rhode Island

Statehood: May 29, 1790 (13)
Capital: Providence
Nicknames: The Ocean State, Little Rhody
State Bird: Rhode Island Red
State Tree: Red Maple
State Flower: Violet
State Animal: Harbor Seal
State Motto: Hope
State Drink: Coffee Milk
State Song: “Rhode Island’s It For Me” (1992)

Trivia: It’s official name is State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. It is the smallest state by area and large bays and inlets make up 14% of the state. Rhode Island was the first of the original 13 colonies to renounce allegiance to the British Crown but last to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Written by Tina Turner, “Sweet Rhode Island Red” is from Tina Turner's album (and that schmuck, Ike) Sweet Rhode Island Red (1974). The album was made primarily for an international audience, and the song was its lead single.

40: South Carolina

Statehood: May 23, 1788 (8)
Capital: Columbia
Nicknames: The Palmetto State
State Bird: Carolina Wren
State Tree: Sabal Palmetto
State Flower: Yellow Jessamine
State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
State Motto: Dum spiro spero (Latin: While I breathe, I hope)
State Dance: Carolina Shag
State Song: “Carolina” (1911), “South Carolina On My Mind” (1984)

Trivia: South Carolina is home to Congaree National Park. It also has Table Rock State Park and the Cherokee Parkway, a scenic drive through the Foothills. The Chattooga River, on the border between South Carolina and Georgia, is a popular whitewater rafting destination.

“South Carolina Rag” was released by Willie Walker on Feb. 14, 1931 with the B-side of “Dupree Blues” on the Columbia label. Walker was born in Greenville County, South Carolina.

41: South Dakota

Statehood: Nov. 2, 1889 (39 or 40)
Capital: Pierre
Nicknames: The Mount Rushmore State
State Bird: Ring-Necked Pheasant
State Tree: Black Hills Spruce
State Flower: American Pasque Flower
State Animal: Coyote
State Motto: Under God the People Rule
State Dessert: Kuchen
State Song: “Hail, South Dakota” (1943)

Trivia: South Dakota is the seventh largest state by area but the fifth smallest by population and fifth least densely populated state in the country. The Missouri River cuts South Dakota in half geographically and socially. Residents refer to the two regions as “East River” and “West River.” The state is home to the Black Hills, the Great Plains, and Mount Rushmore.

“South Dakota” is from The Wolff Sisters & The Last Cavalry’s 2018 album, Cahoon Hollow. The song is the second track on that album.

42: Tennessee

Statehood: June 1, 1796 (16)
Capital: Nashville
Nicknames: The Volunteer State
State Bird: Mockingbird, Bobwhite Quail
State Tree: Tulip Poplar, Eastern Red Cedar
State Flower: Iris, Passion Flower, Tennessee Echinacea
State Animal: Tennessee Walking Horse, Raccoon
State Motto: Agriculture and Commerce
State Food: Tomato
State Song: There are 10 state songs. “Rocky Top” was adopted in 1982.

Trivia: Tennessee is home to Davy Crockett and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which is the most-visited national park in the country. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is in Nashville. The National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland is in Memphis. Dolly Parton’s Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge. Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, and Jack Daniel’s is made in Lynchburg.

From Arrested Development's 1993 album, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days In the Life Of..., “Tennessee” hit No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy. Prince's "Alphabet St." had been used in the song without permission, but Prince cut the group a break and only charged them $100,000 instead of demanding future royalties.

43: Texas

Statehood: Dec. 29, 1845 (28)
Capital: Austin
Nicknames: The Lone Star State
State Bird: Northern Mockingbird
State Tree: Pecan
State Flower: Bluebonnet
State Animal: Texas Longhorn, Nine-Banded Armadillo
State Motto: Friendship
State Food: Chili
State Song: “Texas, Our Texas” (1929)

Trivia: Texas is the second-largest state both by area (after Alaska) and by population (after California). Its state sport is rodeo, and its nickname - The Lone Star State - comes from its struggle from independence from Mexico. Its name come from the Caddo word, taysha, which means friends. Texas has led the United States in state export revenue since 2002 and has the second-highest gross state product, making it the tenth largest economy in the world.

“Texas” is the lead track from The Charlie Daniels Band’s second album, Nightrider (1975). The song was written by Charlie Daniels and has an official video.

44: Utah

Statehood: Jan. 4, 1896 (45)
Capital: Salt Lake City
Nicknames: Beehive State
State Bird: California Gull
State Tree: Quaking Aspen
State Flower: Sego Lily
State Animal: Rocky Mountain Elk
State Motto: Industry
State Dinosaur: Utahraptor
State Song: “Utah…This Is The Place” (1996)

Trivia: Utah has two main areas, the Wasatch Front in the north and Washington County in the south. More than half of Utahns are Mormons, and it's the only state where most of the population belongs to a single church.

“Utah” is the second track on The Osmonds’ 1972 album, Crazy Horses. Written by Merrill Osmond, the song was never released as a single. The Osmonds are from Ogden, Utah.

45: Vermont

Statehood: March 4, 1791
Capital: Montpelier
Nicknames: The Green Mountain State
State Bird: Hermit Thrush
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Flower: Red Clover
State Animal: Morgan Horse
State Motto: Freedom and Unity
State Food: Apple Pie
State Song: “These Green Mountains” (2000)

Trivia: Vermont is the only state in New England that doesn’t border the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second least-populated state, and the Green Mountains runs down the middle, separating Lake Champlain and the valley terrain on the west from the Connecticut River valley in the east.

“Moonlight in Vermont” is on Willie Nelson’s 1978 album, Stardust. The song was written by John Blackburn and Karl Suessdorf. Each verse of the song, minus the bridge, is a haiku.

46: Virginia

Statehood: June 25, 1788 (10)
Capital: Richmond
Nicknames: Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents
State Bird: Cardinal
State Tree: Flowering Dogwood
State Flower: Flowering Dogwood
State Fish: Brook Trout
State Motto: Sic semper tyrannis (Latin: Thus Always to Tyrants)
State Insect: Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
State Song: “Our Great Virginia” (2015)

Trivia: Officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, the state’s geography is shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay. The Virginia General Assembly is the oldest continuous law-making body in the Western Hemisphere. Fictionalized stories like Pocahontas and Captain Smith and myths surrounding George Washington’s childhood make up a bulk of Virginia lore and culture. Mount Vernon is a popular tourist attraction, and Smithfield ham, a type of country ham sometimes called Virginia ham, is protected by state law and can be produced only in the town of Smithfield.

“Carry Me Back to Old Virginia” is on Jerry Lee Lewis’ 1970 album, Sunday Down South. The song is not to be confused with James Bland’s “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny,” which is the former state song of Virginia.

47: Washington

Statehood: Nov. 11, 1889 (42)
Capital: Olympia
Nicknames: The Evergreen State
State Bird: American Goldfinch
State Tree: Western Hemlock
State Flower: Rhododendron
State Animal: Olympic Marmot, Orca
State Motto: Al-ki (Chinook: Bye and Bye)
State Food: Apples
State Song: “Washington, My Home” (1951)

Trivia: Washington is often referred to as Washington State to distinguish it from the nation’s capital. It is the country’s leading lumber producer and is home to Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano and the most prominent mountain in the contiguous United States. Along with Colorado, Washington was one of the first to legalize marijuana, and it is one of the wealthiest and most socially liberal states in the country.

Sicko’s cover of their home state’s state song “Washington My Home” can be found the Seattle-based punk band’s 2009 album, You Are Not the Boss of Me.

48: West Virginia

Statehood: June 20, 1863 (35)
Capital: Charleston
Nicknames: Mountain State
State Bird: Cardinal
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Flower: Rhododendron
State Animal: Black Bear
State Motto: Montani semper liberi (Latin: Mountaineers Are Always Free)
State Food: Golden Delicious Apple
State Song: “Take Me Home Country Roads”, “The West Virginia Hills”, “West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home”, “This Is My West Virginia”

Trivia: West Virginia is the only state to form by separating from a Confederate state and was one of only two states (along with Nevada) to join the Union during the Civil War. West Virginia is often included in several geographic regions in the country: Mid-Atlantic, Upland South, Southeastern United States, and it is the only state that is entirely within the area known as Appalachia, which is served by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Part of the Appalachian folk music tradition, West Virginia hosts several music festivals, and the Daily Mail Kanawha County Majorette and Band Festival takes place every year at the University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field.

“I Wanna Go Back to West Virginia” can be found on Spike Jones and His City Slickers’ 1989 album, Riot Squad. It can also be found on Musical Mayhem (2008).

49: Wisconsin

Statehood: May 29, 1848 (30)
Capital: Madison
Nicknames: Badger State, America’s Dairyland
State Bird: American Robin
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Flower: Wood Violet
State Beverage: Milk
State Motto: Forward
State Food: Corn
State Song: “On, Wisconsin!” (1909)

Trivia: Known as America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin is the nation’s leading producer of dairy and is famous for its cheese. It also produces a lot of cranberries and ginseng. It is second only to Michigan in length of its Great Lakes coastline, and there are no toll roads in state.

“Oh, Wisconsin!” is the second track on Locksley’s third studio album, Locksley (2011). The indie band is from Madison, Wisconsin.

50: Wyoming

Statehood: July 10, 1890 (44)
Capital: Cheyenne
Nicknames: Equality State, Cowboy State, Big Wyoming
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Tree: Plains Cottonwood
State Flower: Wyoming Indian Paintbrush
State Animal: American Bison
State Motto: Equal Rights
State Reptile: Horned Lizard
State Song: “Wyoming” (1903)

Trivia: Wyoming is the least populous state in the country. The state is partially covered with the Rocky Mountains and partially with the High Plains. The Continental Divide cut down the middle of the central part of the state, and almost half of the land is owned by the U.S. government. It has two national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, and two national wildlife refuges, National Elk Refuge and Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge. It also has two national monuments, Fossil Butte National Monument and the first ever monument in the United States, Devils Tower.

“Roamin’ Wyomin’” is the fifth track on Randy Travis’ eighth studio album, Wind In the Wire (1993). The song was never released as a single.

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