Forget what you’ve heard about Tennessee, New York or California. When it comes to music, Michigan is tops.
From Motown, funk and gospel to techno, garage punk, hip hop and jazz, the soundtrack of the 20th and 21st century courses through Michigan.
So during a blah January week — no Lions, frigid cold, two months until spring — a Bridge Michigan newsroom discussion turned into a quest: What is the ultimate Michigan playlist?
We’re talking songs about Michigan. Not songs from Michigan artists, which would take forever.
We turned to one of our resident musicologists, Capitol reporter Lauren Gibbons, who likes compiling playlists almost as much as she likes covering the state Legislature.
We limited her to 25 songs (editors, amirite?) Here’s what she came up with: a cross section that hits every corner of the state, multiple genres and eras and is likely to prompt vigorous debate.
A disclaimer: There are glaring omissions (“Hello Detroit” by Sammy Davis Jr., “Back to Ypsilanti” by Lee Osler) because they aren’t on Spotify. Some selections may raise eyebrows.
But that’s the fun! What did she miss? What should she add or subtract? Let her know by emailing Lauren at lgibbons@bridgemi.com. We will add to the playlist and follow up in a newsletter soon.
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