The Born & Raised Spotify Playlist

March 26, 2018

The story of America has been told – in countless, varied ways – by the poets and troubadours who have lived their lives out on the road and shared their adventures and observations in the form of song. At Born & Raised we’ve worked to curate a deep and diverse Spotify playlist that brings together a variety of these recordings. Songs about our towns, cities, and states; about key events in our history; about our natural wonders; about travelling by foot, rail and road; about our people; about liberty; and about struggle.

World Wars I and II. The Great Depression and the dust bowl. These events shaped our nation in the early twentieth century just as the proliferation of popular music, through the technological developments of recording and radio, expanded beyond regional awareness. The early pioneers of country, folk, blues, bluegrass and rock ‘n roll witnessed American in its sorrow and its glory and had the courage, will and imagination to write and sing about it. Hank Williams. Doc Watson. Robert Johnson. The Carter Family. Louis Armstrong. Woody Guthrie. Their diverse recordings culminate to tell our nation’s story as they paved the way for those who would follow them.

From the late 1950’s through the 1960’s, America experienced an awakening of consciousnesses on many levels. The civil rights movement, the war in Vietnam, and the assassinations of our great leaders brought new ideas and attitudes to the forefront, reflected in our popular culture. Beat writers like Jack Kerouac inspired Americans to explore their country through travel and adventure. Folk, blues, country, and rock singers became the voices of their generation. Bob Dylan. Johnny Cash. Elvis. Janis Joplin. Ray Charles. Odetta. These artists wove a soundtrack of the times that helped put America’s triumphs and challenges into perspective.

The wandering spirit of the 60’s spilled over into the 70’s and inspired a whole generation of storytellers. The Band, the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers and Little Feat were among a new breed of roots-inspired rock bands. Singer-songwriters James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Emmylou Harris; bluesmen Taj Mahal and J.J. Cale, country artists Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and Waylon Jennings; and dozens of others both mainstream and obscure continued the tradition of retelling the American story in song.

From the late 70’s to the present day, amidst an explosion of musical styles, events, and attitudes, the American story has pervaded through music. Mainstream rockers like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp were at the forefront of FM radio in the 80’s and 90’s with their stories celebrating everyday Americans. A revival of 60’s music styles, attitudes and ideals fueled bands like R.E.M., the Jayhawks and the Indigo Girls to carry the tradition of American storytelling. More recently, roots revivalists like Widespread Panic, the Drive-By Truckers, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Gillian Welch and Old Crow Medicine Show, alongside other mainstream and alternative artists continue to offer up slices of American life that hearken back to simpler times, while looking forward to new experiences and adventures.

The Born & Raised Spotify Playlist

“From the Grand Coulee Dam to the Capitol”, this music is a testament to our evolving history as a nation. Submitted to you now for your next great American road trip.

The Born & Raised Spotify Playlist

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