5 Classic Songs inspired by Charleston, South Carolina

There have been many songs written about Charleston, SC throughout the years. Here are a few notable examples:

1. “Carolina in the Morning” – This classic tune was written by Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson in 1922 and has been performed by many artists over the years, including Al Jolson and Dean Martin. The song includes the lyrics “Mammy’s waitin’ for me, in old Carolina” and references Charleston specifically.
2. “Charleston” – This jazz standard was written by James P. Johnson and Cecil Mack in 1923 and became synonymous with the Charleston dance craze of the 1920s. The song includes the famous refrain “Charleston, Charleston, made in Carolina.”
3. “Under the Boardwalk” – This beach music classic by The Drifters evokes summers on the Carolina coast and provides the perfect soundtrack for the state’s official dance: the shag.
4. “My Carolina Sunshine Girl” – This song was written by Walter Donaldson and Gene Austin in 1925 and has been covered by many artists over the years. The song includes the lyrics “She’s my sweet and pretty little Carolina sunshine girl” and references Charleston specifically.
5. “Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina is an uptempo country song from 1996 where a woman encourages her partner to pick up and take a one-way road trip. The Carolinas are high on her list. She suggests that they’ll decide their destination by flipping a coin.

Beautiful Bonus Ballad

1. “Waltz For a Girl in South Carolina” – “Waltz for a Girl From South Carolina” is a gentle and nostalgic instrumental piece composed by Brett Shady in 2010. The song begins with a soothing acoustic guitar melody that sets the tone for a heartfelt and emotional journey.

These are just a few examples of the many songs that have been inspired by Charleston, South Carolina over the years.

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