10 Songs About Cleveland

As a proud Clevelander, I can tell you there’s something special about our city that inspires musicians to put pen to paper and create unforgettable tunes. From the gritty industrial landscape to the passionate sports fans, Cleveland has a unique character that’s been captured in countless songs over the years.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, these 20 songs about Cleveland will give you a taste of what makes our city rock. From the birth of rock ‘n’ roll to the modern indie scene, Cleveland’s musical legacy is as diverse as its neighborhoods. So grab a Great Lakes beer, crank up the volume, and let’s dive into the soundtrack of the city by the lake.

1. “Cleveland Is The Reason” By Kid Cudi

“Cleveland Is The Reason” is a track from Kid Cudi’s seminal mixtape “A Kid Named Cudi,” which served as his introduction to the music world. Released before his mainstream success, this song pays homage to Cudi’s hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

The track showcases Cudi’s early sound, which was already well-defined and would go on to influence the hip-hop landscape. It features smooth production with spacey, distorted synths that create an otherworldly atmosphere, characteristic of Cudi’s style.

Lyrically, the song explores Cudi’s roots and his journey as an artist from Cleveland. It touches on themes of ambition, identity, and the struggle to make it in the music industry. The track is notable for its effortless flow and earworm-like quality, hinting at Cudi’s future success.

2. “The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald” By Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is a haunting ballad that recounts the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. The song, released in 1976, became one of Lightfoot’s most famous works and is considered by many to be his finest.

The nearly six-minute epic tells the story of the ill-fated freighter and its crew of 29, all of whom perished in the disaster. Lightfoot’s lyrics are rich with details, drawing from news reports and his own knowledge of the Great Lakes. The song’s structure is unique, featuring seven verses without a chorus, which allows for a detailed narrative.

Lightfoot’s composition has become deeply associated with the tragedy, serving as a memorial to the lost crew. Over the years, he has made minor revisions to the lyrics in live performances to reflect new findings about the disaster, demonstrating his commitment to honoring the memory of those lost.

3. “Cleveland Blues” By Sonny Stitt

“Cleveland Blues” is a track from Sonny Stitt’s album “Only the Blues,” recorded in 1957. This jazz composition showcases Stitt’s mastery of the alto saxophone and his ability to communicate deeply through his instrument.

The track features an all-star lineup of jazz musicians, including Roy Eldridge on trumpet, Oscar Peterson on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and Stan Levey on drums. This ensemble creates a rich, dynamic backdrop for Stitt’s expressive playing.

As the title suggests, “Cleveland Blues” is rooted in the blues tradition, allowing Stitt and his fellow musicians to explore the emotional depths of the genre.

4. “Cleveland Rocks” By Ian Hunter

“Cleveland Rocks” is a beloved anthem celebrating the city of Cleveland, Ohio, written and performed by British rock musician Ian Hunter. Originally released in 1979 on Hunter’s album “You’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic,” the song has become an enduring tribute to Cleveland’s vibrant rock and roll scene.

Interestingly, the song was initially written and released as “England Rocks” in 1977, but Hunter later adapted the lyrics to focus on Cleveland. This change was inspired by the city’s enthusiastic reception of glam rock acts like Mott the Hoople (Hunter’s former band), David Bowie, and Roxy Music in the early 1970s.

The track features an all-star lineup of musicians, including Mick Ronson on guitar and members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. It begins with a sample of legendary DJ Alan Freed introducing his show, paying homage to Cleveland’s pivotal role in the birth of rock and roll. The song’s energetic rhythm and Hunter’s passionate vocals perfectly capture the spirit of Cleveland’s rock scene.

5. “Cleveland, The Polka Town” By Frankie Yankovic

“Cleveland, The Polka Town” is a lively polka tune performed by Frankie Yankovic, known as “America’s Polka King.” The song, written by William Lausche, was first released in 1950 and has since become a staple in the Cleveland polka scene.

Yankovic, a Cleveland native, was instrumental in popularizing the Cleveland-style polka, which is characterized by its fluid waltzes and slower polkas compared to other regional styles. His approach to polka music earned him widespread acclaim, including a contract with Columbia Records in 1946 and the title of “America’s Polka King” in 1948.

The song celebrates Cleveland’s rich polka heritage, which flourished in the city’s ethnic communities, particularly among Slovenian, Polish, and Czech immigrants. It reflects the vibrant polka culture that thrived in Cleveland throughout the mid-20th century, with numerous polka bands, radio shows, and dance halls contributing to the city’s reputation as a polka hotspot.

6. “The Heart Of Rock And Roll” By Huey Lewis & The News

“The Heart of Rock And Roll” is a hit single by Huey Lewis and the News, released in 1984 from their album “Sports.” The song reached number six on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and has become one of the band’s most recognizable tracks.

Interestingly, the song was inspired by a gig the band played in Cleveland, Ohio. Initially skeptical of Cleveland’s reputation as a rock and roll city, Lewis was impressed by the enthusiastic audience response. The original lyric was “The heart of rock and roll is in Cleveland,” but it was later changed to “The heart of rock and roll is still beating” to broaden its appeal.

The song’s lyrics mention several American cities known for their music scenes, celebrating the vitality of rock and roll across the country. Its upbeat tempo, catchy saxophone riff, and Lewis’s energetic vocals perfectly capture the spirit of 1980s rock music.

The music video for “The Heart of Rock And Roll” was a complex production, featuring footage from concerts in New York City and Los Angeles, as well as skits with the band. It received a nomination for “Best Group Video” at the first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984.

7. “Ohio” By The Black Keys

“Ohio” is a track from The Black Keys’ 2014 album “Turn Blue.” The song, while not explicitly about Cleveland, pays homage to the band’s home state of Ohio. The Black Keys, consisting of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, formed in Akron, Ohio, which is about 40 miles south of Cleveland.

The track features The Black Keys’ signature bluesy rock sound, with fuzzy guitar riffs and driving drums. Lyrically, it touches on themes of longing and nostalgia, possibly reflecting the band’s feelings about their home state as they achieved international success. The song’s mood and instrumentation evoke a sense of the Midwest’s industrial landscape and the region’s rich musical heritage.

“Ohio” serves as a testament to The Black Keys’ roots and their connection to the state that shaped their musical journey. It’s worth noting that while the band has gained global recognition, they’ve maintained strong ties to their Ohio origins, often referencing their home state in interviews and their music.

8. “Cleveland Is The City” By Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

“Cleveland Is The City” is a track by the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, who hail from Cleveland, Ohio. The song appears on their 2007 album “Strength & Loyalty” and serves as an ode to their hometown.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, known for their unique rapid-fire delivery and melodic harmonies, use this track to showcase their pride in Cleveland. The song likely touches on various aspects of life in Cleveland, the group’s experiences growing up in the city, and their journey to success in the music industry.

As Cleveland natives who achieved significant success in hip-hop, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have often represented their city in their music. “Cleveland Is The City” stands as a direct tribute to their roots, potentially highlighting both the challenges and the positive aspects of life in Cleveland.

9. “Cuyahoga” By R.E.M.

“Cuyahoga” is a song by R.E.M. from their 1986 album “Lifes Rich Pageant.” While not directly about Cleveland, the song takes its name from the Cuyahoga River, which runs through Cleveland and famously caught fire in 1969 due to pollution.

The track blends R.E.M.’s characteristic jangly guitar sound with Michael Stipe’s poetic lyrics. The song likely touches on environmental themes, using the Cuyahoga River as a symbol for industrial pollution and environmental degradation. It may also explore themes of American history and progress, as the river’s burning became a catalyst for environmental reform.

“Cuyahoga” showcases R.E.M.’s ability to address serious social and environmental issues through their music. While not from Cleveland themselves, the band’s choice to focus on the Cuyahoga River demonstrates the national significance of Cleveland’s environmental history.

10. “Look Out Cleveland” By The Band

“Look Out Cleveland” is a track from The Band’s self-titled 1969 album, often referred to as “The Brown Album.” The song was written by Robbie Robertson, the group’s primary songwriter.

The track features The Band’s characteristic blend of rock, country, and folk influences. It likely showcases their storytelling prowess, possibly weaving a narrative around Cleveland or using the city as a backdrop for broader themes. The Band, known for their exploration of Americana and historical themes, may touch on aspects of Cleveland’s history or its place in the American landscape.

While The Band hailed from Canada (with the exception of Levon Helm), their music often delved into American themes and locations. “Look Out Cleveland” demonstrates their interest in exploring different American cities and their stories through song. The track stands as an intriguing connection between this influential group and the city of Cleveland.

Serena Whitfield

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.