Ten Songs to Put on Your Belmont Stakes Playlist
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Jennifer Lopez's "Jenny From the Block" is a must-have on New York City playlists. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons/Ana Carolina Kley Vita)
While you're prepping in these final days leading up to the much-anticipated Belmont Stakes, here are 10 songs that carry significance to the home of the Belmont, New York City. From Frank Sinatra to Beastie Boys to Alicia Keys, these songs are sure to keep you in a “New York State of Mind” leading up to the Belmont on Saturday!
1. "New York, New York" - Frank Sinatra
Frank says it best, "If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere," and what a fitting theme song for the running of the Belmont Stakes!
2. "On The Sidewalks of New York" - Nat King Cole
"East side, west side, all around the town" are the opening lyrics to this New York classic. This song was the official song of the Belmont Stakes until 1996, when it was changed to "New York, New York."
3. "Empire State of Mind" - Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
This modern ode to NYC by rapper Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys is sure to get you pumped at the races or Belmont watch party. In 2010 this song was the official song for the Belmont Stakes for a year before it was switched back to Sinatra's "New York, New York."
4. "Native New Yorker" - Odyssey
Take a trip down memory lane with “Native New Yorker”. The song hit the charts in 1977, the same year Seattle Slew won the Triple Crown.
5. "On Broadway" - George Benson
New York has been tapping their feet to the beat of this New York single since 1978, the last time we won the Triple Crown. Just imagine American Pharoah's name in lights on Broadway!
6. "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" - Beastie Boys
For racing fans, the lyrics should be “No sleep 'till Belmont!” It doesn't get more New York (or 1980s) than this!
7. "Autumn in New York" - Billie Holiday
First released in 1934 for the Broadway musical ‘Thumbs Up!’ this has turned into a timeless song by a timeless artist, no matter what time of year!
8. “Take The A Train” - Duke Ellington
I can picture going to hear Duke play after a day at the races, can’t you?
9. "Jenny From The Block" - Jennifer Lopez
It's no secret that Jennifer Lopez is proud of her New York roots. She’s so proud of them that she released this song in 2002, which she co-wrote.
10. "New York State of Mind" - Billy Joel
Whether you've lived in New York City your entire life or have read about it in magazines, this song will walk you through the entire city. You couldn’t have a New York-themed playlist without it!
A playlist to get you pumped for the Belmont Stakes could go on for days! Let us know in the comments which other songs you think should be on a Belmont playlist.