You’re hosting a July 4th party or barbecue this summer, and you have many important aspects to consider. I am sure your primary concern starts and ends with the menu.
As any July 4th party worth attending, you must have plenty of great food and drinks. You are undoubtedly paring down the guest list and deciding how many tables you’ll need. And if you’re throwing a big one, maybe you’re considering renting some tents to protect your guests from the heat or inclement weather.
I have been to many July 4th parties in my day, and I can assure you that the food, the facilities and the attendees are all vital to the success of your party. However, please don’t leave your music selection to the local radio station – even if they promise to play “American” music all day. You’ve mowed your lawn, cleaned the house, rented a port-a-potty, slaved over tons and tons of food – why let a radio station DJ pick your music?
Most July 4th parties are family-oriented, so you’ll have diverse age groups – from grandparents to infants – and the music selection is critical to keep the mood upbeat all day. Washing down burgers, dogs and chicken with ice cold beer in the hot July sun can have a sleepy affect on your guests – so you’ve got to keep everyone awake long enough to see the fireworks display later on that evening.
There are hundreds of American-themed songs out there. And you can always rely on the usual selections of God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, etc. But remember, you’re trying to keep your guests moving and grooving into the night. So, here is a list of what I believe are the top ten songs that cross all generational gaps and demographics and will transition you’re July 4th party from good to great. These will have your guests tapping their feet, swinging their hips and singing along.
10. Back in the USA – Chuck Berry
This classic will get the party rocking and even the kids will move along to the great riffs of Chuck Berry.
9. Surfin’ USA – Beach Boys
Even if you’re a thousand miles away from the nearest ocean, your guests will get out their imaginary surf boards, bend their knees, hold out their arms and ride the waves.
8. Living in America – James Brown
Apollo Creed used it to taunt Ivan Drago – you can use it to get your guests shucking and jiving in your backyard.
7. Mrs. Robinson – Simon And Garfunkel
Time to slow it down a little and let everyone get a drink, cool down and gently rock along to this American classic.
6. America – Neil Diamond
After a little rest, pick it back up with this great rock anthem from Neil Diamond. Your guests will be screaming out the chorus on this one, so I hope you invited your neighbors.
5. American Girl – Tom Petty
I think is one of Tom Petty’s greatest works and your guests will begin a trip down memory lane – thinking about long summer days and warm summer nights and cruising with the top down.
4. Boys of Summer – Don Henley
And you can keep them on that trip down memory lane with this awesome song from the Eagles drummer.
3. Pink Houses – John Mellancamp
John Mellancamp has written and sung a lot songs about life in America – but none better than this.
2. Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
Get everyone on their feet as the Boss belts out his most famous chorus since Thunder Road.
1. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Whether you live in the South or not, this might be one of the greatest American classics of all time – even with the Southern political undertones. Rock with the boys who named the band after their math teacher and then head off to the Fireworks.
For an all day party, you’ll certainly need more music than these ten songs, but if you put these tunes in your rotation throughout the day, you’re party will eclipse all others and have your guests begging you to throw a Christmas party. And when you say “yes”, let me know – and I’ll send you the list of top 10 Christmas songs for your party.
