Syracuse, in the minds of many, is that place where farmers dress up in Orange to watch kids play basketball. And to be honest, that is one hundred percent correct. But believe it or not, other stuff happens in the Salt City, too. To prove it, here are the 10 best songs from Syracuse.
In full disclosure, as was the case with Buffalo, there is all sorts of cheating happening here.
Syracuse means anywhere kind of nearby.
From Syracuse can mean anyone who stepped foot in town and then got the hell out. With a big university around, that narrative occurs on the regular.
Finally, best songs from Syracuse means songs from Syracuse that a random dude likes (one song per artist).
Enjoy, in chronological order.
“Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra (1958)
Like many of his songs, the title track from Sinatra’s album of the same name was composed by the musical genius Jimmy Van Heusen, born and raised in Syracuse.
“Good Lovin'” by The Rascals (1966)
The Rascals’ co-lead vocalist, Felix Cavaliere, went to none other than Syracuse University, and the group’s version of this song received a bit of airtime.
“Walk on the Wild Side” by Lou Reed (1972)
Reed graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in English, meaning Upstate New York can lay claim to all his lyrics, both with the Velvet Underground and as a solo act.
“Heaven and Hell” by Black Sabbath (1980)
After Black Sabbath fired Ozzy Osbourne, they turned to Ronnie James Dio—the pride and joy of Cortland, New York—to front the band. This jam is one of their best.
“Keep On Loving You” by REO Speedwagon (1980)
One of the co-founders of the masters of cheese rock was drummer Alan Gratzer, born in the metropolis of Syracuse.
“Pull Up to the Bumper” by Grace Jones (1981)
Prior to becoming a cultural icon, the multitalented Jones spent her teens in Syracuse, even attending Onondaga Community College.
“Reba” by Phish (1990)
Everyone’s favorite jam band owes its name to someone named Jon Fishman, a Syracuse kid who happens to be the group’s drummer.
“Save the Best for Last” by Vanessa Williams (1992)
Another product of Syracuse University (SU), the former Miss America Williams graced us with this ballad, whose opening line about snow in June had to be inspired by upstate.
“Closer” by The Chainsmokers (2016)
Andrew Taggart, one half of this duo, was once an SU guy, later ditching Central New York for the big time.
“Rockstar” by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage (2017)
And finally, there’s the man who can do everything. He goes by Post Malone and, yes, he was born and partially raised you know where.
Go Orange!
