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Something about the summer season makes the Natural State feel even more alive: the backroads are greener, the skies stretch wider and every small-town sign feels like a doorway to discovery. While planning an epic East Arkansas road trip through the heart of the Delta earlier this summer, I realized something was missing – a playlist rooted in home.
What better way to experience Arkansas than by listening to the voices that grew up here or carved out careers with Arkansas pride in their veins? While this list isn’t exhaustive, it’s filled with powerful names and nostalgic melodies to build the perfect soundtrack for your next Arkansas summer adventure.
Iconic Legends
Arkansas has produced some of the most influential names in American music history; pioneers who shaped genres and left legacies that ripple through generations. Listening to their music is like flipping through the pages of American music itself: gritty, heartfelt, spiritual and powerful.
- Johnny Cash | Kingsland – Country music legend, “The Man in Black.” Read his story here.
Songs known for: “Ring of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line.” - Glen Campbell | Delight – Country-pop crossover star. Read more here.
Songs known for: “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Gentle on My Mind” - Al Green | Forrest City – Soul and gospel icon.
Songs known for: “Let’s Stay Together,” “Tired of Being Alone,” “Love and Happiness” - Levon Helm | Elaine – Drummer/singer of The Band.
Songs known for: “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” - Sister Rosetta Tharpe | Cotton Plant – Godmother of Rock and Roll. Read more about her here.
Songs known for: “Strange Things Happening Every Day,” “Didn’t It Rain,” “This Train” - Charlie Rich | Colt – Country, jazz and rockabilly musician.
Songs known for: “Behind Closed Doors,” “The Most Beautiful Girl,” “Rollin’ with the Flow” - Louis Jordan | Brinkley – Swing and early R&B pioneer.
Songs known for: “Caldonia,” “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie,” “Let the Good Times Roll”
Rock & Alternative
You might not expect it, but Arkansas has deep ties to alternative rock and R&B royalty. From the dark orchestral sound to smooth vocals and introspective songwriting, these artists extend the state’s influence far beyond banjos and backroads. Their music explores themes of love, struggle, transformation and identity—sometimes with a thunderous chorus, sometimes with a whisper.
- Evanescence | Little Rock – Multi-platinum rock band, fronted by Amy Lee.
Songs known for: “Bring Me to Life,” “My Immortal,” “Going Under” - Jim Dandy Mangrum / Black Oak Arkansas | Black Oak – Southern rock band.
Songs known for: “Jim Dandy,” “Hot and Nasty,” “Lord Have Mercy on My Soul” - The Cate Brothers | Fayetteville – Rock and soul duo connected to The Band. Read more here.
Songs known for: “Union Man,” “Can’t Change My Heart,” “Time for Us”
Country & Americana
Arkansas soil has always nurtured stories, especially when they turn into melody tunes. From honky-tonk ballads to modern country anthems, these artists channel the rhythms of small-town life, heartbreak, homecoming and the wild beauty of the land. If you want to understand the heart of Arkansas, you’ll find it strumming in these songs.
- Ben Rector | Fayetteville
Songs known for: “Brand New,” “Drive,” “Extraordinary Magic” - Ashley McBryde | Mammoth Spring
Songs known for: “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” “One Night Standards,” “Light On in the Kitchen” - Justin Moore | Poyen
Songs known for: “Small Town USA,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Why We Drink” - Joe Nichols | Rogers
Songs known for: “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” “Sunny and 75,” “Brokenheartsville” - Collin Raye | De Queen
Songs known for: “Love, Me,” “Little Rock,” “In This Life” - Trout Fishing in America | Prairie Grove
Songs known for: “My Hair Had a Party Last Night,” “18 Wheels on a Big Rig,” “When I Was a Dinosaur” - Barrett Baber | Fayetteville
Songs known for: “Kiss Me Hello,” “Battlefield Us,” “Still Stands” - Shay Mooney (from Dan + Shay) | Natural Dam – country-pop duo who blends heartfelt storytelling with polished harmonies that wedding planners love!
Songs known for: “Tequila,” “Speechless,” “10,000 Hours” - Kris Allen | Conway – American Idol Season 8 winner.
Songs known for: “Live Like We’re Dying,” “The Truth,” “Alright with Me”
Blues, Jazz & Gospel
Born out of back-porch laments and church-house calls, Arkansas blues, jazz and gospel music are raw, improvisational and soul-stirring. It’s where the harmonica wails like a memory and the saxophone speaks in spirit. These artists transform everyday struggles into unforgettable soundscapes. Press play and prepare for transportation to the land where you feel the beat!
- Sonny Boy Williamson II – Helena – Legendary blues harmonica player.
Songs known for: “Help Me,” “Eyesight to the Blind,” “Nine Below Zero” - Robert Lockwood Jr. | Helena – Delta blues guitarist.
Songs known for: “Little Boy Blues,” “Steady Rollin’ Man,” “Mean Red Spider” - Albert King | Osceola – One of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar.”
Songs known for: “Born Under a Bad Sign,” “Crosscut Saw,” “I’ll Play the Blues for You” - Pharoah Sanders | Little Rock – Influential jazz saxophonist.
Songs known for: “The Creator Has a Master Plan,” “You’ve Got to Have Freedom,” “Harvest Time” - William Grant Still | Little Rock – Known as the “Dean of African American Composers.”
Songs known for: “Afro-American Symphony,” “Troubled Island,” “Danzas de Panama”
Hip-Hop & Contemporary
Modern Arkansas artists are telling new stories—urban, sharp, Southern and full of momentum. These hip-hop and pop voices emerge from local studios and college towns with fresh perspectives and innovative sounds. This generation represents musical evolution, bridging the past and the future, rural and urban, with every beat.
- Bankroll Freddie | Helena – Rapper signed to Quality Control.
Songs known for: “Drip Like This,” “Add It Up,” “Rich Off Grass” - Baang | Little Rock – Hip-hop artist known for his work in Arkansas’ indie scene.
Songs known for: “Different,” “Run It Up” - Ne-Yo | Camden – Grammy-winning R&B/pop singer, songwriter, and producer with smooth vocals and impeccable hooks.
Songs known for: “So Sick,” “Closer,” “Miss Independent”
Up-and-Coming & Notable Names
There’s always something new brewing in Arkansas’s creative corners. Emerging artists take the stage authentically, crafting lyrics and sounds that resonate far beyond state lines. These musicians may not be household names yet, but they’re upholding the tradition of honest, story-driven music that Arkansas does best. Keep your ears open—this is where tomorrow’s legends find their voice.
- Bonnie Montgomery | Searcy – Rising Americana/country artist known for her outlaw country sound.
Songs known for: “Forever,” “No More,” “River” - JD Clayton | Fort Smith — Rising Americana and folk-rock musician.
Songs known for: “Heartaches After Heartbreak,” “Hello Good Mornin’,” “Cotton Candy Clouds” - Gabrielle Mooney | Natural Dam – blends heartfelt storytelling with a. modern country sound
Songs known for: “Come On In,” “I Didn’t Know Cowboys Had Tattoos,”
“90’s Country” (co-written with Walker Hayes) - Lance Carpenter | Ozark – known for traditional country sound and heartfelt songwriting
Songs known for: “Anyone Else,” “Without Jesus,” “Earnhart”
Songs About Arkansas
While it’s not always a top topic, Arkansas has its place in many songs. Sometimes Little Rock is named directly, but more often, it references the way of life, the beautiful scenery, and the heartfelt fondness of its people.
Official & Folk Songs
- “Arkansas Traveler” – Traditional folk tune, one of the oldest and best-known songs associated with the state.
- “Arkansas” by Eva Ware Barnett – official state song.
- “Oh, Arkansas” – official state song.
- “Arkansas (You Run Deep In Me)” is the official state song by Wayland Holyfield.
- “Arkansas” (Get there from here) – Barret Baber
Country & American
- “Arkansas” – Chris Stapleton
- “Arkansas Grass” – Axiom
- “My Arkansas” – Iris DeMent
- “Arkansas Farmboy” – Glen Campbell
- “Arkansas” – Colton Dixon
- “Back to Arkansas” – Joe Nichols
Bluegrass, Folk & Blues
- “Up in Arkansas” – Charlie Daniels Band
- “Arkansas” – Gordon Lightfoot
- “The Banks of the Arkansas” – Traditional folk song.
Rock & Other Genres
- “Arkansas” – Damien Jurado
- “Arkansas” – James McMurtry
Whether cruising through the Delta or exploring the Ozarks, this playlist will be your perfect companion, adding rhythm and soul to every mile. So, turn up the volume, feel the beat and allow Arkansas’s rich musical heritage to make your road trip epic.
Enjoy this Spotfiy Playlist of nearly all the songs listed above.
Cover photo: “Natural Notes” mural in Downtown Searcy makes a perfect stop on your Arkansas Road Trip!
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