Did you know that the Kentucky Derby actually refers to a single race held on the first Saturday in May? This race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, which is a series of horse races for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. Preceded by the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival, the race is also known as “The Run for the Roses” since the winning horse is draped in a blanket of 400 roses. The race lasts approximately two minutes, which earned it the alternate name of “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
The real question is though: what kind of music do people listen to at the Kentucky Derby? Since the Derby has run since 1875, it is synonymous with tradition and thus features the iconic tune “My Old Kentucky Home.” The 1852 composition is usually performed by the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers while horses parade. Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home / ‘Tis summer, the people are gay / The corn tops rise and the meadows all in bloom / While the birds make sweet music all the day.
In more recent years, the Derby playlist has come to feature a mix of traditional folk and country music, as well as pop and party tunes. Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood and Chappell Roan have become popular artists.
But what about jazz? What if you want to listen to jazz while you get ready for the Derby or watch the races at home? No worries, Night is Alive has got you covered with some folksy jazz tunes that’ll get you in the mood to cheer and yell “giddy-up!”
“Whenever You Come Around” – Janis Siegel, John Di Martino and others
This groovy rendition of Vince Gill’s 1994 country ballad will have you singing along while you pick out the most perfect wide-brimmed Southern Belle hat to wear. From Night is Alive’s album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, this song captures that feeling of first infatuation, of being smitten, having a crush. Who knows, maybe your crush will be at the Derby festivities today? Whenever you come around / I get weak in the knees and I lose my breath . . .
“The In Crowd” – Lonnie Plaxico, Lafayette Harris Jr.
Doesn’t getting all dolled up for the Kentucky Derby really make you feel like part of the “in crowd”? It’s so nice to feel like you belong somewhere, belong to a community, to an event. So while you’re rejoicing and cherishing these bonds with others, enjoy this upbeat tune from the hot new album Radiance. There’s no better way to feel like a part of the “in crowd” than dancing together as a group.
There is something about the pomp and circumstance of the Kentucky Derby that feels truly theatrical. The tradition, ceremony, extravagance and splendor evoke a Broadway production. Imagine that–a Kentucky Derby musical! Hey, it’s not a bad idea, is it? This year at the Derby, let’s embrace the drama of it all with this tune from Night is Alive’s album My Ship.
“Imagination” – John Di Martino, Harry Allen and others
More is more at the Kentucky Derby, so don’t hold back! Be as imaginative, creative and full of life as you want. Have that extra mint julep if you want, take that extra photo with your bestie, and eat that extra bourbon ball! Why not? And while you live life to the fullest, enjoy this song from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible.
Visit Night is Alive’s albums page to explore this music and more.
written by Jacqueline Knirnschild
