Top Ten Patriotic Hits for Your Fourth of July Party

The summer picnic season is upon us, and the Fourth of July is right around the corner. Make sure your party's playlist is perfectly patriotic with my picks for the Top Ten Fourth of July songs.

Star Spangled Banner - Jimi Hendrix. This is the national anthem like you've never heard it before. Hendrix's legendary performance of the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock has become a part of history. Few know Hendrix's interpretation of the song was influenced by his time spent as a soldier with the 101^st Airborne, jumping out of planes. This song is a must for your Fourth of July playlist.

American Pie - Don McLean. Much speculation has been made about the meaning behind McLean's hit, which includes references to the death of Marilyn Monroe, the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, and the Vietnam War. When asked about his intended meaning, McLean said "the song was written as my attempt at an epic song about America, and I used the imagery of music and politics to do that."

Rockin in the Free World - Neil Young. Inspired by the politics of 1989, and released a shortly before the Berlin Wall came down, Rockin In the Free World became the anthem of freedom for many people across the world.

America - Simon and Garfunkel. A classic song about a man and his girlfriend in search of the American dream. A great Fourth of July song to chill out to.

We're An American Band - Grand Funk. Nothing is more American than rock and roll, and in this Fourth of July song, Grand Funk tells the tale of what it's like to be a band touring the USA.

Proud to Be An American - Lee Greenwood. Though some may call it cheesy, it's a truly patriotic song about our great country.

Back in the USA - Chuck Berry. It's been said this song was written after Berry returned from a trip to Australia. He was shocked by the treatment of the natives there, and happy to be back in the USA.

Our Country - John Mellencamp. Written as a celebration of the freedom and opportunities in America, this song became popular after being featured in a Silverado commercial. You know a song is truly patriotic when it's used in a truck commercial.

Surfin USA - Beach Boys. A great upbeat summer song, perfect for a Fourth of July party. Brian Wilson was the only Beach Boy who knew how to surf, but they sure could sing about surfing.

Only In America - Brooks and Dunn. A wonderful country song about the American dream. This patriotic tune rounds out the top ten songs for your Fourth of July party.