Home - Songs - Places - Discover Memorable Songs About Ohio Today
First Posted August 6, 2025 | Last Updated on August 13, 2025 by Ryan Conlon
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Ohio has inspired many musicians. They write songs about its history, culture, and music impact. We’ll look at the memorable songs about Ohio, each showing a different side of the state.
“Beautiful Ohio” and “Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are classics. Hawthorne Heights also celebrates Ohio in their music.
Join us on a musical trip through Ohio and learn about Songs About Ohio, Ohio music, Ohio artists, and Ohio-inspired songs.
The Rich Musical Heritage of Ohio’s Most Famous Songs
Ohio’s music goes back many years. It covers many styles, like folk and rock. The state is full of creativity, inspiring many to write songs about it.
From old folk songs to new rock hits, Ohio’s music keeps changing. It shows how American music has grown over time.
From Folk to Rock: Ohio’s Musical Evolution
Ohio’s music has changed a lot. Artists have moved from folk to rock and even country. Ohio songwriters have created many famous songs.
“Beautiful Ohio” and “Hang on Sloopy” are just a few. They are loved by many.
Ohio’s rock music has also had a big impact. Rock ‘n’ roll started here, thanks to DJ Alan Freed. Later, punk and alternative rock also came from Ohio. These genres have shaped the music world.
From the 1960s to today, Ohio’s music has touched many. It has shaped American music and left a lasting mark.
“Ohio has always been a wellspring of musical talent, from the early folk traditions to the iconic rock anthems that have defined generations. The state’s influence on the American music landscape is undeniable, and its rich heritage continues to inspire artists to this day.”
“Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: A Powerful Protest Anthem
After the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970, Neil Young wrote “Ohio.” It was released soon after and became a hit for the anti-Vietnam War movement. It reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song’s lyrics spoke out against the politics of the time. The line “Tin soldiers and Nixon coming” was a strong criticism of Nixon. Young’s voice brought out the anger and sadness many felt after Kent State.
“Ohio” was recorded on May 21, 1970, at Record Plant Studio 3 in Hollywood. It was later on CSNY’s 1974 album “So Far.” A live version was on their 1971 album “4 Way Street.” The B-side, “Find the Cost of Freedom,” was also from the same session.
In 2009, “Ohio” was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone ranked it the 395th Greatest Song of All Time in 2010. Its message about gun violence and the need for political action is still important today.
“Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young became an anthem for the anti-Vietnam War movement, capturing the outrage and grief felt by many Americans in the aftermath of the Kent State tragedy.
Even though some AM radio stations in Ohio banned it, “Ohio” got played on FM stations. Its message and CSNY’s performance have made it a classic in protest music.
It shows how art can fight for justice and change.
Songs About Ohio: A Journey Through Time and Genres
Ohio has inspired many musicians. They come from all kinds of music, like rock and pop. The state’s culture and history have touched their hearts.
Classic Rock Tributes to the Buckeye State
The Pretenders sang about their Ohio home in “My City Was Gone.” It’s about change and growth in Akron. Bruce Springsteen also wrote about Ohio, in “Youngstown.” It’s about the hard work of people in Youngstown.
Contemporary Artists Celebrating Ohio
The National from Cincinnati has songs like “Thirty-Three” and “Bloodbuzz Ohio.” They show Ohio’s spirit. Hawthorne Heights from Dayton is known for songs like “Ohio Is for Lovers.” They celebrate Ohio’s music.
Folk and Country Songs About Ohio
Gillian Welch wrote “Look At Miss Ohio.” It’s about Ohio’s countryside and people. Bowling for Soup has “Ohio (Come Back to Texas).” It’s a song about missing Ohio from Texas.
Ohio’s music is full of stories. From rock to folk, it shows the state’s charm. It has inspired many songs.
The Story Behind “Beautiful Ohio”: The Official State Song
Ohio loves its official state song, “Beautiful Ohio.” It’s been a big part of Ohio’s culture since 1969. The song started in 1918 with Ballard MacDonald’s words and Mary Earl’s music.
The first version was about love. It became famous fast. Artists like Henry Burr and Prince’s Orchestra sang it in 1919.
By 1969, Ohio made “Beautiful Ohio” its official song. But the lyrics changed. Wilbert B. McBride wrote new words that talked about Ohio’s beauty and freedom.
The Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 5, Section 9 makes “Beautiful Ohio” Ohio’s official song. Its music, by Mary Earl, is still loved today.
“Beautiful Ohio, all thy beauty rare, makes my heart to thrill and long again to wander there.”
“Beautiful Ohio” still makes Ohioans proud. It’s played at the Ohio Caverns since 1928. Its lasting charm shows Ohio’s beauty and culture.
Rock Anthems That Put Ohio on the Musical Map
Ohio’s music history is rich and full of rock anthems. Songs like “Cleveland Rocks” and Hawthorne Heights’ emo tunes have made Ohio famous. These tracks have touched hearts all over the country.
Cleveland Rocks: The Drew Carey Show Theme
“Cleveland Rocks” by Ian Hunter is a song everyone knows. It was first released in 1979. But it became even more famous as the theme for The Drew Carey Show.
This song is all about the Cleveland rock scene. It celebrates Ohio’s music and its lasting legacy.
Hawthorne Heights and Modern Ohio Rock
In the early 2000s, Hawthorne Heights burst onto the scene. Their hit “Ohio Is for Lovers” was a big deal. It mixed emo and post-hardcore, becoming a symbol of Ohio’s music.
With bands like The Black Keys, Hawthorne Heights showed Ohio’s music diversity. They inspired many musicians to follow in their footsteps.
“Ohio Is for Lovers” by Hawthorne Heights became an emo anthem, showcasing the state’s vibrant punk rock scene and inspiring a new generation of musicians.
Ohio’s rock anthems have made a big impact. From “Cleveland Rocks” to Hawthorne Heights, they celebrate Ohio’s music.
These songs have inspired many artists to explore Ohio’s rich rock music heritage.
Environmental and Social Commentary in Ohio-Inspired Music
Ohio’s music goes beyond just celebrating its beauty and culture. Many famous artists use Ohio songs to talk about big issues. These issues touch people all over the country.
R.E.M.’s “Cuyahoga” talks about the polluted Cuyahoga River and its 1969 fire. It’s about bigger environmental problems. The Pretenders’ “My City Was Gone” also talks about how Akron, Ohio, changed too much.
These songs show how Ohio’s land and history help artists speak out. They talk about American society and the environment. By using Ohio as inspiration, these musicians make songs that people everywhere can connect with.
Song
Artist
Environmental/Social Commentary
“Cuyahoga”
R.E.M.
Addresses pollution and environmental degradation of the Cuyahoga River in Ohio
“My City Was Gone”
The Pretenders
Laments the urban development and environmental destruction in Akron, Ohio
Today, Ohio music still talks about big issues. Artists like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Frankie Yankovic keep Ohio’s music tradition alive.
“There’s something about Ohio that seems to inspire musicians to tackle broader themes and issues through their art. It’s a testament to the state’s rich cultural tapestry and the enduring power of music to drive social change.”
Local Pride: How Ohio Artists Celebrate Their Home State
Ohio’s music scene is full of life, thanks to local culture and heritage. Many artists born in Ohio have written songs about their state. They share its beauty, communities, and traditions with the world.
Over the Rhine, a famous folk-rock band from Cincinnati, made an album called “Ohio” in 2003. It celebrates the state’s rural beauty and small-town life. Caamp, from Athens, Ohio, also has a song called “Ohio” from 2016. It shows their love for Ohio.
The Black Keys, from Akron, have also been inspired by Ohio. They’ve helped make Ohio’s music legacy strong. This legacy is filled with diverse stories and experiences, making Ohio’s music scene special.
Ryan Conlon is the owner and author of Your Music Depot, a go-to platform for music enthusiasts seeking curated song lists and artist insights.
Passionate about the intersection of music and storytelling, Ryan’s goal is to help people find the perfect song for every occasion, exploring how songs can capture emotions and memories.
