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Missouri Music Playlist

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During these days of social distancing, we often find ourselves turning to music – to lift our spirits, soothe our souls and spark our creativity. Social media channels are filled with famous and not-so-famous voices sharing their songs with the world.

Missouri has long been known for its music – blues, jazz, bluegrass, country, pop, rock and more. The Show-Me State has certainly seen its share of remarkable musicians as well as songs inspired by some of our most famous places.

Here’s a sampling of tunes – from a variety of genres – with Missouri ties:

  • “All I Wanna Do,” by Sheryl Crow, pop star from Kennett.
  • “Johnny B. Goode,” by Chuck Berry, rock and roll legend from St. Louis.
  • “Missouri Moon,” by Rhonda Vincent, “The Queen of Bluegrass,” who lives in Kirksville.
  • “What’s Love Got to do with It,” by Tina Turner, soul and rock star who lived her teen years in St. Louis.
  • “Missing Missouri,” by Sara Evans, country music performer from New Franklin.
  • “Time to Drive,” by Ray Cardwell, bluegrass musician from Springfield.
  •  “Maple Leaf Rag,” by ragtime composer and performer Scott Joplin, who lived in Sedalia and St. Louis.
  • “Ornithology,” by Charlie Parker, jazz great from Kansas City.
  • “Meet Me in St. Louis, Louie,” written by Andrew B. Sterling and Kerry Still in 1904 to celebrate the World’s Fair, later featured in the musical by the same name.
  • “Kansas City,” written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, with more than 300 recorded versions, including the number one hit by Wilbert Harrison.
  • “Take My Breath Away,” lyrics by Springfield native Tom Whitlock, featured in the movie “Top Gun.”
  • “Sni-A-Bar Stomp,” by The Hipnecks, from Columbia.
  • “Everything,” by Ha Ha Tonka, a band from Springfield and named for the popular Missouri State Park .
  • “I Need Never Get Old,” by Nathaniel Rateliff, from Hermann, performs with his band The Night Sweats.
  • “Wrong Way,” by Loose Loose, based in Columbia.
  • “Buy Me a Boat,” by Chris Jansen, country music singer from Perryville.

Check out our Spotify Playlist below or create your own Missouri playlist with these songs and hundreds more featuring Show-Me state musicians and songwriters.

To explore more of Missouri’s musical heritage from your own home, visit the websites and social media pages for the National Blues Museum in St. Louis and the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City. You’ll find virtual tours, digital exhibits and featured performers. Follow Sheryl Crow on Facebook for some “social distancing” performances. Tune into the Big Muddy Music Hour to hear a variety of talent from Missouri.