The Most Iconic Country And Rock Songs That Mention Iowa

In my household, I grew up listening to two genres: Classic Rock and Classic Country. I'm not quite old enough to have witnessed either of these in their heyday (I was born in 1983), but my parents raised me right and I spent most of my free time scouring their stacks and stacks of records they had accumulated over the decades.

Being born and raised in the Hawkeye State, I always got a kick out of any song that mentioned Iowa, and in case you're unaware, here are a few of the very best out there.

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Johnny Cash, I've Been Everywhere

Hank Snow did the originally version of this tune back in 1962, but the Man in Black made it his own, when he released this classic in 1996. In it, you can hear him mention not one, not two, but several Iowa towns. These include my hometown of Waterloo, along with Sioux City, Davenport, Oskaloosa, Parkersburg, and even Spirit Lake! Clearly Johnny has an affinity for the Hawkeye State.

Willie Nelson and Leon Russell, Sioux City Sue

This fun little number was originally released by Dick Thomas in 1945, however, Bing Crosby made it a hit a year later in 1946. That same year, Gene Autry again made the song a huge hit, as it was the title track to a movie with the same name.

Willie and Leon's version was released much later, in 1979, but it'll always be my personal favorite.

Bob Seger, Turn The Page

This rock number from the 1970s is a little trickier, as it makes no mention of Iowa in the lyrics. However, if you listen closely, Seger mentions how he's "on a lonely lonesome highway, east of Omaha". Well, what state is directly east of Omaha? Iowa. In fact, Seger himself has admitted as much, stating that he wrote the song while he and the band were staying in Dubuque, Iowa. While at a restaurant, they were being starred at by the locals, which prompted Seger to pen the now classic rock anthem.

These are just three of my favorites, but when it comes to songs about Iowa, there are plenty more where that came from! Check out this list from the singersroom website to dive further down the rabbit hole.