We're doing a major cleaning at Vinyl, and great music get us through any daunting task. Here's a seven-song playlist to keep you focused until the job's done. If it takes longer than seven songs, hit repeat.

PICK 1: 

“Cleanup Time” was written by John Lennon and released on his 1980 album, Double Fantasy. Written in Bermuda, the song is about rebirth and was inspired by the trend of people kicking their drug and alcohol habits in the 1970s.

PICK 2: 

Released as the second single from Don Henley’s 1982 solo debut album, I Can’t Stand Still, “Dirty Laundry” spent three weeks at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100. The song was written by Henley and Danny Kortchmar and is about the tabloidization of the news.

Pick 3:

“I Just Cleaned the Floor” is from Turn off your television’s 2011 self-released album, Turn Off Your Television (Second Edition). The three-man Indie Rock band is from Sweden.

Pick 4:

“Yakety Yak” was released by the Coasters on Atco Records in 1958. It spent seven weeks at the top spot on the R&B charts and a week at No. 1 on the Top 100 pop list. The song was just one of many hits the Coasters released between 1957 and 1959.

Pick 5: 

“Washing Dishes” is from Jack Johnson’s sixth studio album, From Here to Now to You (2013). The song is the second track on the album but was never released as a single.

Pick 6:

"Car Wash" is the theme to the 1976 movie, Car Wash. Performed by the group Rose Royce, the song landed at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and is one of the most successful hits of the disco era. Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott recorded a version for the soundtrack to the 2004 movie Shark Tale.

Pick 7:

“Lawn Boy” is the title song of Phish’s second studio album, Lawn Boy. The album was released on cassette in 1990, on CD in 1992, and on vinyl in 2013.

We're back from MAR 2020 and have handed the turntables over to Mini Moose. Here are her seven picks for July.

PICK 1

“You Don't Mess Around with Jim“ is from Jim Croce's album, You Don't Mess Around with Jim (1972). It was Croce's debut single. After 11 weeks on the charts, the song peaked at No. 8 on Billboard Hot 100.

PICK 2

Written by Percy Mayfield, “Hit the Road Jack” was made famous when Ray Charles recorded it in 1961 with Margie Hendrix, vocalist for The Raelettes. “Hit the Road Jack” became the Charles’s sixth No. 1 hit on Billboard Hot 100 and is one of the performer’s signature songs. The Chantels released an answer song – “Well, I Told You” – that charted at No. 29.

PICK 3

“Are You Gonna Go My Way” is the lead single from Lenny Kravitz’s 1993 album, Are You Gonna Go My Way. The song was released as an airplay-only single, which kept it from officially charting on Billboard Hot 100, but it hit No. 1 on “Album Rock Tracks.” It also nabbed the top spot in Australia for six weeks, hit No. 5 spot in the UK, and become Diamond certified in Brazil.

PICK 4

“Angry Johnny” was released in 1995 from Poe’s debut album, Hello. Though it received heavy radio play, the song was only released as a single in Australia. Tons of promotional singles were released all over the world with a range of sound from a “Full Band Version” to an acoustic style that features a cello.

PICK 5

“Lemon Meringue” is from Poe’s 2000 album, Haunted. The song was never released as a single, but we think it’s a sweet jam. The whole Haunted album is underrated and well worth the listen.

PICK 6

“Rhythm Nation” was the second single released from Janet Jackson’s fourth studio album, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). The song was written as a response to various tragedies in the media and became an international hit, peakinj at No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100.

PICK 7

Composed by A.R. Rahman for the movie Slumdog Millionaire (2008), “Jai Ho” won an Academy Award for "Best Original Song" and a Grammy for "Best Song for a Motion Picture and Television or Other Visual Media." Three singers are credited to "Jai Ho" - Sukhwinder Singh (principal vocalist), Vijay Prakash, and Mahalakshmi Iyer.

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.

Last year during Women's History Month, we featured Twenty-Four Woman Rolling Stone Overlooked. This year, we're continuing the tradition with a thirty-day salute to badass females of rock, rap, country, and R&B.

Women of Rock

Track 1: Hit Me with Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar

Hit Me with Your Best Shot was released in 1980 as the second single from Pat Benatar’s second studio album, Crimes of Passion. The song hit No. 9 on Billboard Hot 100 and became Benatar’s first Top 10 hit. Since its release, it’s been used in commercials, video games, movies and is one of Benatar’s most-popular songs.

Track 2: I'm the Only One - Melissa Etheridge

I'm the Only One was released in 1993 from Melissa Etheridge's fourth studio album, Yes I Am (1993). Though the song landed on the charts in other countries, it was slow to gain momentum in the US, eventually peaking at No. 8 on Billboard Hot 100.

Track 3: Me and Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin

Me and Bobby McGee was written by Kris Kristofferson and originally performed and released by Roger Miller in 1969. Both Kristofferson and Kenny Rogers recorded the song, but it was Janis Joplin’s version, which she recorded only a few days before her death in October 1970 for her album Pearl (1971), that made the Me and Bobby McGee a smash-hit. Released posthumously, it landed at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, making it Joplin’s only number one single and the second posthumously released number one single in U.S. history, after Otis Redding’s (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.

Track 4: We Got the Beat - The Go-Go's

The Go-Go's originally released We Got the Beat in the UK in 1980. It was released in the US in 1982. The group had re-recorded it for their debut album, Beauty and the Beat (1981). The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has named We Got the Beat one of its 500 Songs That Shaped Rock-n-Roll.

Track 5: We Don't Need Another Hero - Tina Turner

We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) is by Tina Turner and was featured in the 1985 movie Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Released on the heels of Turner's multi-platinum album, Private Dancer (1984), We Don't Need Another Hero earned a Golden Globe and Grammy award nomination.

Track 6: I Hate Myself for Loving You - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

I Hate Myself for Loving You was released as the lead single of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' sixth studio album, Up Your Alley (1988). It hit No. 8 on Billboard Hot 100, making it Joan Jett's third Top 10 single, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo of Group.

Track 7: Superhero - Garrison Starr

Superhero was written by Garrison Starr and included on her 1997 major label debut, Eighteen Over Me. The song is her most well-known to date and has been included on several compilations. It was also played during ABC's coverage of the 1999 Women's World Cup.

Women of Rap

Track 8: Supersonic - J.J. Fad

Supersonic is the debut single for J.J. Fad's debut album, Supersonic (1988). The song was nominated for a Grammy, making J.J. Fad the first all-female rap group in history to be nominated. It's since been sampled and referenced in other songs like Fergie's Fergalicious and Eminem's Rap God.

Track 9: The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) - Missy Elliott

The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) was released as the lead single from Missy Elliott's debut album, Supa Dupa Fly (1997). The song samples Ann Peebles' 1973 hit, I Can't Stand the Rain, and peaked in the US at No. 4 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop. The music video for The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) was directed by Hype Williams and was nominated for an MTV music video award.

Track 10: Ladies First - Queen Latifah (ft. Monie Love)

Ladies First is from Queen Latifah’s debut album, All Hail the Queen (1989). The song features British emcee, Monie Love and hit the top spot on the charts in both the UK and US. Ladies First helped inspire the rise of the all-female posse, which was rare in hip hop culture at the time.

Track 11: Push It - Salt-n-Pepa

Push It was originally released in 1987 from Salt-n-Pepa's debut studio album, Hot, Cool & Vicious (1986), as the B-side for Tramp. Push It was re-released in 1988 and peaked at No. 19 on Billboard Hot 100.

Track 12: Super Bass - Nicki Minaj

Super Bass was released as the fifth single from Nicki Minaj’s 2010 debut studio album, Pink Friday. Written by Minaj, Ester Dean, Roahn Hylton and Kane Beatz, the song's about romance and hit the charts in 16 countries, peaking at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on Billboard Rhythmic.

Track 13: Mooo! - Doja Cat

Released August 10, 2018 on YouTube, Doja Cat’s Mooo! is a novelty song that was made with the intention of doubling as a meme. It has attracted praise from artists like Chance the Rapper and Katy Perry, and the official music video currently has over 46 million views.

Track 14: Doo Wop (That Thing) - Lauryn Hill

Doo Wop (That Thing) was released as the debut solo single from Lauryn Hill's album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). The song was Hill's first No. 1, debuting at the top slot and making it only the tenth song in chart history and the first debut single to do so.

Women of Country

Track 15: Hard Candy Christmas - Dolly Parton

Hard Candy Christmas was written by Carol Hall for the musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Dolly Parton played Miss Mona in the movie, and her version of the song was released as a single in 1982.

Track 16: Is There Life Out There - Reba McEntire

Is There Life Out There was released as the second single from Reba McEntire's 1991 album, For My Broken Heart. The song landed at the top spot in Canada and on Billboard Hot Country in the US.

Track 17: Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain - The Judds

Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain was written by Brent Maher and Don Schlitz. Recorded by The Judds and released as the third single from the 1986 album, Rockin' with the Rhythm, the song marked their seventh number one country hit and spent twelve weeks on the charts. It was one of four number one hits from that album, which Billboard named the Top Country Album of 1986.

Track 18: Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under? - Shania Twain

Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under? was released in 1995 as the lead single from Shania Twain's second studio album, The Woman In Me. The song became Twain's first hit, peaking at No. 31 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 11 on Billboard Hot Country.

Track 19: Independence Day - Martina McBride

Written by Gretchen Peters, Independence Day was released as the third single from Martina McBride’s 1993 album, The Way That I Am. Originally offered to Reba McEntire, Independence Day addressed the issue of domestic violation. It peaked at No. 12 on Billboard Hot Country. Currently, CMT has it ranked it at 50 in their 100 Greatest Songs of Country Music.

Track 20: Queen of Hearts - Juice Newton

Queen of Hearts was first recorded by Dave Edmunds in 1979. His version performed well in the UK and Ireland but failed to chart elsewhere. When Juice Newton released the song in 1981 from her album, Juice, the song became an international hit, reaching the Top 10 in half a dozen countries and peaking at No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100.

Track 21: The Long Way Around - Dixie Chicks

The Long Way Around was released as the fifth and final single from the Dixie Chicks' seventh studio album, Taking the Long Way (2006). The song references the controversy the Chicks had with G.W. Bush.

Women of R&B & Pop

Track 22: Think - Aretha Franklin

Think was written by Aretha Franklin and Ted White. Originally released on the album, Aretha Now (1968), it's a feminist anthem and became Franklin's seventh Top 10 hit. She re-recorded it for the1989 album Through the Storm and did a longer version for the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers. Franklin lip-synced the song for the film, but since she was not used to lip-syncing, the musical sequence took several takes and considerable editing.

Track 23: Bag Lady - Erykah Badu

Bag Lady is the first single released from Erykah Badu's 2000 album, Mama's Gun. The song hit No 1. on Billboard Hot R&B charts and No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100. It earned Badu two Grammy nominations and is Motown's last No. 1 hit on the R&B charts under the original record label name.

Track 24: Hero - Mariah Carey

Released in 1993, Hero was the second single from Mariah Carey’s third studio album, Music Box. Originally intended for Gloria Estefan, Carey agreed to record it though she didn’t resonate with the song. Regardless of her lukewarm attitude, Hero topped Billboard Hot 100 and earned Carey a Grammy nomination.

Track 25: Hold On - Wilson Phillips

Hold On was the lead single from Wilson Phillips's 1990 album, Wilson Phillips. Though it topped the charts for just one week, Billboard named it the top song of 1990. The group's performance in the 2011 movie, Bridesmaids, reminded everyone of the greatness of Hold On.

Track 26: Rehab - Amy Winehouse

Rehab was released as the lead single from Amy Winehouse’s second and final studio album, Back to Black (2006). The song is her only Top 10 hit in the US, peaking at No. 9 on Billboard Hot 100. It earned three Grammy Awards and is considered Winehouse's signature song.

Track 27: Rich Girl - Gwen Stefani (ft. Eve)

Rich Girl is on Gwen Stefani's 2004 debut solo album Love, Angel, Music, Baby. Featuring Eve, Rich Girl is a remake of a Louchie Lou & Michie One song, which was an adaptation of Fiddler On the Roof's If I Were a Rich Man.

Track 28 Survivor - Destiny's Child

Survivor is from Destiny's Child's third studio, Survivor. Released in 2001, the song earned the group a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Billboard ranked the song No. 40 on their list of the 100 Greatest Girl Group Song of All Time.

And Two to Grow On

Track 29: Merry Go 'Round - Kacey Musgraves

Merry Go 'Round was released in September 2012 as the lead single from Kacey Musgraves' debut album, Same Trailer Different Park. The song is a cynical look at life in the American heartland and references Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, Jack and Jill, and Mary Had a Little Lamb. It peaked at No. 63 on Billboard Hot 100, but it hit No. 14 on Hot Country Songs, No. 10 on Country Airplay, and won Musgraves a Grammy for Best Country Song.

Track 30: Like a Girl - Lizzo

Like a Girl is the second song on Lizzo's third studio album (first major debut LP), Cuz I Love You (2019). Though praised by critics as an empowering dance track, Like a Girl was never released as a single. Shame.

We're handing the turntables over to Mini Moose this week. Here are her seven picks for February.

Pick 1: What Have You Done For Me Lately

What Have You Done for Me Lately is from Janet Jackson’s third studio album, Control (1986). Co-written by Jackson and  Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it was released as the album’s lead single and is a reflection of Jackson’s feelings about her divorce from James DeBarge. It peaked at No. 4 on Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination.

Pick 2: Tightrope

Tightrope is the second single from Janelle Monáe’s debut studio album, The ArchAndroid (2010). The original song features rapper, Big Boi, and only charted in Belgium and South Korea. A version without Big Boi was used during the end credits for the 2011 movie, Happy Feet Two.

Pick 3: What's My Name?

What’s My Name? was released as the second single from Rihanna’s fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The Grammy-nominated song features rapper, Drake, and landed on the charts in over a dozen countries, including No. 1 in the US on Billboard Hot 100. It was Rihanna’s eighth hit single and her third No. 1 in 2010.

Pick 4: Video

Video was the first single released from India.Arie’s 2001 debut studio album, Acoustic Soul. The song is her most popular to date, landing at No. 47 on Billboard Hot 100 and earning the singer four Grammy nominations.

Pick 5: Good as Hell

Written for Barbershop: The Next Cut, Good as Hell was originally released in 2016 as the lead single from Lizzo's EP, Coconut Oil, to lackluster fanfare. The song was re-released in 2019 as part of the singer's debut studio album, Cuz I Love You (Super Deluxe). Given a second chance, Good as Hell swept the world by surprise, hitting the charts in over a dozen countries and landing at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100.

Pick 6: Suga Mama

Suga Mama is from Beyoncé’s second studio album, B’Day (2006). Influenced by 1970s funk and rock music, the song was never released as a single. There was, however, a music video, directed by Melina Matsoukas and Beyoncé that was included on the B’Day Anthology Video Album.

Pick 7

Love On Top is from Beyoncé’s fourth studio album, 4 (2011). Inspired by her role as Etta James in Cadillac Records (2008), the song was written by Beyoncé, Terius Nash, and Shea Taylor. It peaked at Np. 20 on Billboard Hot 100, stayed at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and earned Beyoncé her seventeenth Grammy Award.

The Year of the Rat is underway, so we're paying tribute to songs celebrating specific years in hopes that 2020 will be joyous and unforgettable (in a majorly good way).

Track 1: 1979 - Year of the Goat

Written by Billy Corgan, 1979 was released in 1996 as the second single from the Smashing Pumpkins' album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Corgan was 12 years old in 1979, and the song represents a nostalgic coming of age. It landed in the Top 20 in several countries, peaking at No. 12 in the US, and was nominated for two Grammys.

Track 2: 1901 - Year of the Ox

Released in 2009 as the lead single from their fourth album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, 1901 is by French indie pop band, Phoenix. About early 20th century Paris, the song became the band's first hit in the US, peaking at No. 84 on Billboard Hot 100.

Track 3: Miami 2017 - Year of the Rooster

Miami 2017 (I've Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) is from Billy Joel's 1979 album, Turnstiles. Written in the 70s as the city of New York was about to declare bankruptcy, Joel has described the song as a science fiction, apocalyptic tale as told by a narrator, who had witnessed the events, to his grandchildren. Joel performed the song in a benefit concert after the 9/11 attacks.

Track 4: December, 1963 - Year of the Rabbit

December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) is by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and was included on their 1975 album, Who Loves You. Written by keyboardist Bob Gaudio and Judy Parker, his wife, the song was originally titled "December 5th, 1933" and celebrated the repeal of Prohibition. Franki Valli suggested the title be changed and that the song be about a man’s first love affair with a woman. It hit No. 1 in both the UK in 1975 and the US in 1976.

Track 5: Summer of '69 - Year of the Rooster

From Bryan Adams’ fourth album, Reckless (1984), Summer of ’69 was partially inspired by sexual relationships and partly inspired by Jackson Browne’s Running on Empty, which references 1965 and 1969, and the 1971 movie Summer of ’42. The song peaked at No. 5 on Billboard Hot 100.

Track 6: 1990 - Year of the Horse

From The Temptations' 1973 album 1990, the song 1990 was not released as a single. The album was the last the Temptations would record with Motown producer, Norman Whitfield. Tired of Whitfield's socially conscious messages because they were failing commercially, the group wanted to get back to singing ballads. Songs like 1990 were sandwiched between more commercially viable tracks.

Track 7: 1999 - Year of the Rabbit

The title track from Prince’s 1982 album 1999, 1999 was not meant to be a New Year’s Eve party song. Written during the height of the Cold War, the song is about the fear of nuclear Armageddon. When originally released in 1983, it peaked at No. 44 on Billboard Hot 100. It was re-released the next year as a double A-side to Little Red Corvette, this time peaking at No. 12. The first week of January, 1999, the song re-entered the charts at No. 40. Following Prince’s death, it entered a fourth time at No. 41, later moving up to No. 27.

By: Mariposa Michaels (Contributor)

Selena Quintanilla was born April 16, 1971 in Lake Jackson, Texas. This Hispanic songstress would eventually become “the Tejano Queen”, completely changing the industry for Hispanic singers to come.

Selena got her start as lead singer of her family band, Selena y Los Dinos, who toured Texas throughout the 1980’s. They first started performing in their parent’s Mexican restaurant, covering English songs their dad grew up on.  The group gained traction in south Texas, releasing several albums under the Selena y Los Dinos name.
 
This childhood experience prepped the young singer for stardom after the release of her self-titled debut album Selena was released in the fall of 1989. Selena released four more albums.
 
Selena had a thriving fan club throughout her career, and she even ventured into the clothing industry. Opening to branches of her Selena Etc. boutiques.
 
Selena also went on to win one Grammy, fourteen Billboard Latin Music Awards, 36 Tejano Music as well as many other accolades. She performed the most famous concert of her career in front of 60,000 people at the Houston Astrodome, on Feb. 26, 1995.
 
Sadly, just one month later Selena was killed by her former fan club president and manager of boutiques, Yolanda Saldivar. Selena was just 23 years old. A crossover album was released not long after her death, leaving many to mourn the loss of a great talent.
 
Selena was the Queen, and that’s why this week she deserves to sit at the top of her throne here at Vinyl.

TRACK 1: Baila Esta Cumbia

Baila Esta Cumbia made its debut in 1990 off Selena’s second studio album, Ven Conmigo. Like many of her songs, this one was penned by her big brother AB Quintanilla and Pete Astudillo. Baila Esta Cumbia ended up going six times platinum, becoming one of her most successful singles. It was covered in 2010 by artist Diana Reyes.

TRACK 2: Tu, Soló Tú

From the album Dreaming of You (1994), Tu, Soló Tú is liable to bring about the emotion felt in a Vicente Fernández song. It was the first Spanish single released after Selena's death. Originally written by Felipe Valdés Leal and recorded by Pedro Infante, Tu, Soló Tú started Selena's longest run on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks, lasting for ten weeks.

TRACK 3: El Chico del Apartamento 512

Everyone loves the boy next door, including Selena. From the 1994 album Amor Prohibido, El Chico Del Apartamento 512 was once labeled one of Selena’s most “memorable” songs. It was written as a cumbia and has Colombian and other South American influences. This song was performed at Selena’s last concert on March 19, 1995.

TRACK 4: Bidi Bidi Bom Bom

From the album Amor Prohibido, Bidi Bidi Bom Bom debuted on Billboard Hot Latin Tracks on Aug. 13, 1994. This song would eventually peak at number one, the second time for Selena as a solo artist. It’s upbeat melody is a staple at many Hispanic traditions like Quinceañeras, weddings, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. It has been covered by many artists and was even recorded in Portuguese.

TRACK 5: Como la Flor

“Like the Flower” (Como la Flor) was a smash-hit for Selena, going nine times platinum. It was originally released in 1992 from the album, Entre A Mii Mundo, but was remixed and released on Selena’s posthumous album, Dreaming of You. Kacey Musgraves covered Como la Flor in February of 2019 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, twenty-four years after Selena’s final performance.

TRACK 6: Amor Prohibido

Written by Ricky Vela, Pete Astudillo and AB Quintanilla, this Selena song was released on May 13, 1994. A song about forbidden love, Amor Prohibido was the most successful Latin single of 1994. In 2015, Jennifer Lopez performed a twentieth anniversary tribute to Selena and included this song in the line-up.

TRACK 7

Dreaming of You was the lead single from Selena’s posthumous album, Dreaming of You. This album served as her first crossover, and this song lead the way to the album’s success. It sold 25,000 units in its first week of release. For many, Dreaming of You served as a goodbye to a beloved singer even closing out the 1997 film Selena.

We’re celebrating YUM this week with a food-related tribute jam-packed with bands and songs guaranteed to put some wobble into your gobble this Thanksgiving.

TRACK 1

Written by Dolores O’Riordan and Noel Hogan, Dreams was released in 1992 as the debut single for the Irish band, The Cranberries. The single was included on the album, Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? and peaked at No. 42 on Billboard Hot 100.

TRACK 2

Friends and Lovers is from Bread's 1969 debut album, Bread. Written primarily by guitarist James Griffin, the song is about meeting different people in life and, as time goes by, how even close connections start to fade away.

TRACK 3

Written by Billy Corgan, Tonight, Tonight was released as the fourth single from the Smashing Pumpkins' album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). Corgan said the song pays homage to Cheap Trick and is addressed to himself, who survived an abusive childhood, to keep Corgan believing in himself. It peaked at No. 36 on Billboard Hot 100.

TRACK 4

Let's Turkey Trot was written by Gerry Goffin and Jack Keller, with the original 45 giving Carole King credit. Little Eva recorded Let's Turkey Trot as her third single. Released in 1963, the song peaked at No. 20 on Billboard Hot 100.

TRACK 5

Spice Up Your Life was released as the lead single from the Spice Girls’ 1997 album, Spiceworld. The song landed at No. 1 in the UK for one week, making the Spice Girls the first group to have its first five consecutive singles reach the top spot in the UK. In the US, it hit 18 on Billboard Hot 100.

TRACK 6

Strange Brew is by Cream. Released in 1967 from the album Disraeli Gears, Strange Brew features guitarist Eric Clapton on lead vocals instead of the usual lead, Jack Bruce. The song wasn’t released in the US, but it was later featured in the 1979 film, More American Graffiti.

TRACK 7

Written by Jim Steinman, Paradise by the Dashboard Light was first released in 1977 from Meat Loaf’s debut album, Bat Out of Hell. Ellen Foley sang the female lead in the original recording but Karla DeVito was used in the music video and during live performances. Peaking at No. 39 on Billboard Hot 100, the song is one of the longest, uncut singles ever to be released on one side of a 45 RPM record.

It's time to hand the turntables over to Mini Moose. Here are her seven picks for November

TRACK 1

Motownphilly was the 1991 debut single from Boyz II Men. Released from the album Cooleyhighharmony, the song was co-written by Michael Bivens of Bell Biv DeVoe fame and peaked at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100.

TRACK 2

My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It) was released in 1992 as the lead single from En Vogue's album, Funky Divas. The song landed at No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100 and became the group's fourth No. 1 on Billboard R&B.

TRACK 3

Free Your Mind was released as the third single from En Vogue's 1992 album, Funky Divas. The song landed in the Top 10 on Billboard Hot 100 and was ranked at No. 41 for Billboard's 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.

TRACK 4

Written by Noel Gallagher, Wonderwall was recorded by Oasis and released in 1995 as the fourth single from their second studio album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. The song's about an imaginary friend who will save you from yourself. It became an international hit, hitting the Top 10 in several countries and peaking at No. 8 on Billboard Hot 100.

TRACK 5

Breathless was released by The Corrs in 2000 from their third studio album, In Blue. Co-written by Mutt Lange, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group and is the group’s only top-forty hit, peaking at No. 34 on Billboard Hot 100.

TRACK 6

Zoot Suit Riot was released in 1997 from the Cherry Poppin' Daddies album, Zoot Suit Riot, at the height of the swing revival. Zoot Suit Riot was written by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies frontman, Steve Perry, and reached No. 41 on Billboard Hot 100.

TRACK 7

Where Is the Love? is by The Black Eyed Peas and was the lead single from their album, Elephunk (2003). It hit No. 8 on Billboard Hot 100 and is the band's first with Fergie as an official member. Though not officially credited, the song also features vocals from Justin Timberlake.

By: Wilhelmina Williams (Contributor)

Barbara Ann Mandrell was born December 25, 1948 in Houston, Texas. She is considered one of the most successful female country artists of the ‘70s and ’80s, despite being widely unknown among newer country fans.

Her extensive career began as a young child playing multiple instruments touring with superstars like Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and George Jones. Before her solo career began she toured with her family band as well.
Mandrell’s debut solo album, Treat Him Right, was released in 1971. She released 25 studio albums from 1971 to 1997. Eight albums charted in the Top 10 in U.S. Country, with all but seven breaking into the top 50 on the U.S. Country charts. Her singles include 27 top 10 hits, including 7 No. 1s.
 
Mandrell has been a Grand Ole Opry member since 1972 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009. She was also the first woman inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2014 and the first artist to win CMA Entertainer Of The Year for two consecutive years.

With musical talent to spare and the ability to transform songs of any genre with her own signature country style, it’s no surprise that she has won multiple GRAMMYs, People’s Choice Awards, Country Music Awards and more. For being ‘Country, When Country Wasn’t Cool’, we dedicate this week to the inimitable, Barbara Mandrell.

SONG OF THE monDAY

I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) is an R&B hit written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Other notable covers of the song include Ike and Tina Turner (for the album What You Hear Is What You Get: Live at Carnegie Hall) and The Rolling Stones. Barbara Mandrell’s version was included on her first studio album, 1971’s Treat Him Right and was her first single to chart.

SONG OF THE tuesDAY

(If Loving You is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right was originally written by Stax Records songwriters Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, and Raymond Jackson for The Emotions, but the groups version of the recording was never released. Barbara Mandrell included her version on the 1978 album, Moods, which reached No. 8 on the U.S. Country charts. The song was Mandrell’s second No.1 hit. Luther Ingram also found success with his own recording of the song.

SONG OF THE wednesDAY

Written by Stephen Allen Davis and Dennis Morgan, There’s No Love in Tennessee was the only new single released in conjunction with Barbara Mandrell’s Barbara Mandrell: Greatest Hits (1985). The song reached No. 7 on the U.S. Country charts.

SONG OF THE thursDAY

Barbara Mandrell’sfirst No. 1 hit, Sleeping Single in a Double Bed was also the first single from the album Moods. The song was written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan. Mandrell won the American Music Award for Favorite Country Single for the song in 1980.

SONG OF THE friDAY

Another Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan writing collaboration, I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool was Barbara Mandrell’s first No. 1 hit of the ‘80s. Though not listed, George Jones makes a guest appearance in the recording of the song, shortly after being mentioned in the lyrics. The song’s success is largely credited with contributing to Mandrell’s winning Entertainer of the Year from the Country Music Association in 1981. The track’s album, Barbara Mandrell - Live, reached No. 4 on the U.S. Country charts and was certified Gold.

SONG OF THE saturDAY

Percy Sledge first sang When A Man Loves A Woman in 1966 after Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright penned the track. It was a No. 1 hit then and again in 1991 when Michael Bolton recorded his own version. While Barbara Mandrell’s version, from the 1991 album Key's in the Mailbox, did not chart, it was a return to the stylistic choice of putting her classic country emphasis on popular music that she was well-known for throughout her early career.

SONG OF THE sunDAY

Happy Birthday Dear Heartache, written by Archie Jordan and Mack David, made it all the way to No. 3 for Barbara Mandrell. The song was released as the first single on 1984’s Clean Cut, the 15th studio album she released. The album would make it all the way to No. 8 on the charts.