This 4th of July, we are not able to enjoy parades and fireworks, the Welcome America Festival concert and events, or large backyard barbecues with family and friends. So if you’ll be celebrating at home, I thought I’d put together a few songs that you can include on your Independence Day playlist.
Elton John – “Philadelphia Freedom,” (1975) – Elton John’s Greatest Hits Volume II– Though not written as a song about independence, the song’s 1975 release aligned with the U.S. bicentennial celebration and became somewhat of an anthem. The single was actually written for tennis star Billie Jean King and was dedicated in part to the Philadelphia sound.
Richie Havens – “Freedom” – Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More (1970) – At Woodstock, Havens needed to play longer than planned because some artists were running late. He improvised the old spiritual “Motherless Child” and gave us “Freedom.”
Grand Funk – “We’re An American Band” – We’re An American Band (1973) – The band’s seventh studio album was their first collaboration with producer/engineer Todd Rundgren. The single, which chronicles time on the road, was originally released on translucent yellow vinyl.