America’s birthday means this country has embraced — and protected — its freedom for 250 years. So feel “free” to pump up the volume on this playlist, from Damian Marley and Billy Strings to Beyoncé.
Marking a 250th Birthday in Song: The United States of America
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With Americans celebrating 250 years of freedom, it’s certainly worth singing it out loud and proud today.
There are plenty of ways to do that: Songs released over the past half-century have heartily embraced the subject matter, often in electrifying fashion.
And while battles to protect personal freedom continue while military struggles across the globe strive to preserve various countries’ independence, artists and their music can inspire the masses with their uplifting messages.
So, toast Fourth of July 2026 with this robust and diverse playlist of classics, new and old.
FREEDOM RINGS: THE LOCAL SPINS ‘FREEDOM AT 250’ TOP 15
1. “Freedom,” Damian Marley & Sia – The newest song on this playlist (released in 2025) is one of the most powerful. “No more silence, no more chains, we are the fire that remains, waves of freedom strong and true, rising up for me, stand up my people, the time is now, no shackles can hold us … let the people say: Freedom!”
2. “Freedom,” Lindsay Lou with Billy Strings: – Released in 2022, this wonderful duet from a couple of Michigan-bred bluegrass stars boasts a throwback, bluegrass gospel vibe with Billy’s signature acoustic guitar wizardry. Oh, and both artist will be performing at Billy’s Ionia Freak fair at the Ionia County Fairgrounds Aug. 28-29.
3. “Freedom,” Richie Havens: The late Richie Havens was an uber-impressive live performer and his impromptu performance at Woodstock is legendary.
4. “I’m Free,” The Who: A classic from these iconic British rockers. (And yes, it was freedom from British rule that we celebrated 250 years ago.)
5. “Rockin’ in the Free World,” Neil Young: C’mon, who doesn’t love Neil Young? And this song absolutely, well, rocks.
6. “Freedom of Choice,” Devo: Just couldn’t leave Devo off this list because, well, we’ll “say it again in the land of the free — use your freedom of choice.” And you can catch Devo in Grand Rapids on Sept. 19 when the band plays the Acrisure Amphitheater with The B-52’s on their “Cosmic De-Evolution Tour.”
7. “Free Bird,” Lynyrd Skynyrd: Oh, go ahead, yell it from the back of the crowd at an inappropriate time. It’s a free country.
8. “Philadelphia Freedom,” Elton John: Another Brit who certainly appreciates America’s freedom and legacy, paying tribute here to American tennis star Billy Jean King.
9. “Chimes of Freedom,” Bob Dylan: As with previous playlists, this simply couldn’t be left off of the list, although there are other Dylan tunes that could be inserted here as well (including “The Times They Are A-Changin’ “).
10. “First Flash of Freedom,” – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: An under-the-radar pick from an under-rated album by a late American rock hero.
11. “Freedom,” Beyoncé with Kendrick Lamar: Beyoncé can indeed rock, especially when she gets help from the likes of Kendrick Lamar.
12. “Freedom,” Jimi Hendrix: The fifth “Freedom” on this list (but not the last) by the best guitarist on this list.
13. “Freedom,” Jon Batiste: So much soulfulness exhibited with this 2021 hit single, not to mention an absolutely celebratory milieu with a groovy video to boot.
14. “Freedom,” Pitbull: This dance-fueled, uptempo romp from Pitbull certainly makes you feel free as you whirl across the living room — or the club floor. “We were born to be free,” indeed. And Grand Rapids’ Acrisure Amphitheater will be packed with dancing revelers come Sept. 10, when Pitbull makes a West Michigan tour stop.
15. “Glory,” Common and John Legend: This song from the soundtrack of the 2014 film, “Selma,” takes on even more significance due to the events of recent years: Freedom is like religion to us/Justice is juxtaposition in us.
FREEDOM ROCK: THE 250th U.S. BIRTHDAY PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY
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