I grew up in Kansas, often called a “flyover” state – those Midwestern places that are in-between the nation’s coastal population centers.
While I appreciate the vast open prairies of the Sunflower State and the perspective that space has given me, as a kid I was keen to explore other places. Because of that, I have always been drawn to songs about destinations outside my backyard.
Some favorites: “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight and The Pips and Dionne Warwick’s “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?”
Also important are many penned by John Denver, including of course “Rocky Mountain High.” Glen Campbell and Jimmy Webb created the classics “Galveston” and “Wichita Lineman,” which my father loved for its Kansas connection. And another close-to-home favorite: “Kansas City” by Wilbert Harrison.
I must add Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” because I love the city and James Taylor’s “Carolina in my Mind.” That song is an anthem for Tar Heels.
“Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn also inspires. When the pandemic is over, I’ll be walking on Beale Street.
