As a proud Cincinnatian, I’ve always been fascinated by how our beloved Queen City has inspired musicians across genres and generations. From the banks of the Ohio River to the hills of Mount Adams, Cincinnati’s unique charm and character have found their way into countless songs, each capturing a different facet of our city’s spirit.
In this playlist, we’ll explore 10 songs that pay homage to Cincinnati, ranging from chart-topping hits to hidden gems. These tunes not only showcase our city’s musical legacy but also remind us why Cincinnati holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors alike.
Contents
- 1. “The Cincinnati Kid” by Ray Charles
- 2. “Lights of Cincinnati” by Scott Walker
- 3. “Cincinnati Star” by Ed Williams
- 4. “Cincinnati Square” By Chuck Robinson
- 5. “Susie Cincinnati” By The Beach Boys
- 6. “I’m A Ramblin’ Man” By Waylon Jennings
- 7. “WKRP In Cincinnati” Theme Song By Steve Carlisle
- 8. “Jesus Take the Wheel” By Carrie Underwood
- 9. “South Of Cincinnati” By Dwight Yoakam
- 10. “Laura” By Scissor Sisters
1. “The Cincinnati Kid” by Ray Charles
“The Cincinnati Kid” is a notable song performed by Ray Charles, serving as the theme for the 1965 film of the same name starring Steve McQueen. This track was composed by Lalo Schifrin with lyrics by Dorcas Cochran. It appears as the opening track on the film’s soundtrack album, which was released in 1965 by MGM Records.
The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a young poker player known as the Cincinnati Kid, who arrives with high stakes and determination. Ray Charles’ soulful vocals bring depth to the character’s story, capturing the essence of a gambler risking it all.
2. “Lights of Cincinnati” by Scott Walker
Released in 1969, “Lights of Cincinnati” was Scott Walker’s third solo single in the UK. Written by English songwriters Tony Macaulay and Geoff Stephens, this folk-pop song achieved moderate success, peaking at No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart and spending ten weeks on the chart.
The song’s theme revolves around painful separation from a loved one. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and yearning, with imagery of someone watching a departing plane until it’s out of sight. The lyrics mention a “rocking chair,” suggesting the person left behind might be older, possibly a mother or grandmother.
3. “Cincinnati Star” by Ed Williams
“Cincinnati Star” by Ed Williams, released in 1979, stands out as a unique musical time capsule of Cincinnati’s pop culture history. The song provides a concise overview of 20th-century Cincinnati up to the late 1970s, making it a valuable piece of local cultural documentation.
Ed Williams, whose real name is Edward James Ziegelmeyer, recorded this song as part of an album produced by Richard L. Owens and Robert B. Morgan at Counter Part Studios in Cincinnati. The album, released under M.O.W. Productions with the catalog number 21231, features “Cincinnati Star” alongside other popular songs of the era.
4. “Cincinnati Square” By Chuck Robinson
“Cincinnati Square” is a groovy funk song from the early 1970s by Chuck Robinson. Interestingly, there’s no actual place in Cincinnati called Cincinnati Square, but the song’s catchy rhythm and inventive lyrics make listeners want to search for it anyway. Robinson, a beloved figure in the Cincinnati music scene for decades, crafted this tune as the B-side of a single released on the obscure Borfork label.
The song features driving piano riffs and an inventive guitar solo, creating a psychedelic jazz-funk atmosphere that captures the essence of the era. In the lyrics, Robinson draws an unusual comparison, likening Cincinnati Square to a necklace. This quirky simile, combined with the song’s infectious groove, adds to its charm and intrigue. Despite never achieving national fame, “Cincinnati Square” remains a treasured piece of Cincinnati’s musical heritage.
5. “Susie Cincinnati” By The Beach Boys
“Susie Cincinnati” is a song by the Beach Boys, written by Al Jardine and recorded during the sessions for their 1970 album “Sunflower.” The song tells the story of a female cab driver from Ohio. Interestingly, Jardine revealed in a 2022 interview that the song was partly inspired by The Beatles’ “Drive My Car,” describing it as “kind of a jab” at the British band.
The recording took place at the Beach Boys’ Bel Air studio between December 1969 and February 1970, with automobile sound effects added on February 2, 1970. The song features the classic Beach Boys harmonies, with Al Jardine on lead vocals and guitar, backed by the rest of the band. It was first released as the B-side to “Add Some Music to Your Day” in February 1970 and later included on their 1976 album “15 Big Ones.” While Brian Wilson considered it “a good song,” his brother Dennis Wilson had a less favorable opinion, calling it a “silly piece of shit”.
6. “I’m A Ramblin’ Man” By Waylon Jennings
“I’m A Ramblin’ Man” is a country music classic performed by Waylon Jennings, though it was originally written and recorded by Ray Pennington in 1967. Jennings’ version, released in 1974, became his second number-one hit on the country charts. The song perfectly captures the essence of the outlaw country movement, with Jennings’ authentic, believable voice bringing the lyrics to life.
The song tells the story of a restless traveler who has journeyed across the United States, mentioning places like Mississippi, New Orleans, California, West Virginia, Cincinnati, and Chicago. The protagonist warns listeners not to fall in love with him, as his nomadic lifestyle prevents him from settling down or committing to relationships. The repeated chorus, “I’m a ramblin’ man, don’t fool around with a ramblin’ man,” serves as both a statement of identity and a cautionary message.
Jennings’ production on the song, part of his “The Ramblin’ Man” album, showcases his signature sound and helped solidify his status as a country music legend. The song’s enduring popularity led to its inclusion on several of Jennings’ compilation albums and live recordings over the years.
7. “WKRP In Cincinnati” Theme Song By Steve Carlisle
The “WKRP in Cincinnati” theme song, performed by Steve Carlisle, is an iconic piece of television music that perfectly captures the spirit of the beloved sitcom. Composed by Tom Wells with lyrics by Hugh Wilson, the show’s creator, this catchy tune became synonymous with the fictional radio station and its quirky staff. The song’s upbeat melody and memorable lyrics paint a picture of Cincinnati as a vibrant, exciting city where dreams can come true.
The theme song’s opening lines, “Baby, if you’ve ever wondered, wondered whatever became of me, I’m living on the air in Cincinnati, Cincinnati, WKRP,” immediately set the tone for the show’s premise. It tells the story of a person who has found their place in the world of radio broadcasting in Cincinnati. The lyrics cleverly incorporate references to the city and the radio industry, creating a perfect musical introduction to each episode of the series.
8. “Jesus Take the Wheel” By Carrie Underwood
“Jesus Take the Wheel” is a country pop ballad performed by Carrie Underwood, released in 2005 as her debut single from her album “Some Hearts.” While the song doesn’t explicitly mention Cincinnati, it tells a story that could take place in any American city, including Cincinnati. The narrative follows a young mother driving with her baby on a snowy Christmas Eve, losing control of her car, and turning to her faith in a moment of crisis.
The song’s powerful lyrics and Underwood’s emotive vocals struck a chord with listeners across the country, propelling it to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning Underwood a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The song’s theme of faith and surrender in times of difficulty resonated with many, including those in Cincinnati and throughout the Midwest, where winter driving conditions can be treacherous.
9. “South Of Cincinnati” By Dwight Yoakam
“South of Cincinnati” is a poignant country ballad by Dwight Yoakam, released in 1986 as part of his debut album “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” The song paints a vivid picture of life in the rural areas south of Cincinnati, capturing the essence of small-town America and the struggles of its inhabitants. Yoakam’s distinctive voice and the song’s traditional country instrumentation create a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrics.
The song tells the story of a man reflecting on his life and the changes he’s witnessed in his hometown. He mentions specific locations like “south of Cincinnati” and “north of Tennessee,” grounding the narrative in a real geographical context. The lyrics touch on themes of economic hardship, the decline of rural communities, and the bittersweet nature of memories, all of which would resonate with listeners in and around Cincinnati.
10. “Laura” By Scissor Sisters
“Laura” is a glam rock-inspired song by the Scissor Sisters, released in 2004 as part of their self-titled debut album. While the song doesn’t directly reference Cincinnati, its theatrical style and flamboyant energy make it a popular choice in clubs and at parties across many cities, including Cincinnati. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat tempo have made it a dance floor favorite.
The lyrics of “Laura” tell the story of a troubled woman who seems to bring chaos wherever she goes. The song’s narrator appears to have a complex relationship with Laura, simultaneously drawn to her and wary of her destructive tendencies. This theme of complicated relationships and larger-than-life personalities resonates with listeners in urban areas like Cincinnati, where diverse populations and vibrant nightlife scenes often lead to colorful encounters and stories.
Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.