Fact-Checking the 50 States of America Song: Classroom Hits Vs. Real Anthems
Q1: Who wrote the original "50 States in Alphabetical Order" song used in schools?
The song most Americans learn in elementary school is titled "Fifty Nifty United States." It was written in 1961 by choral director and composer Ray Charles (born Charles Raymond Offenberg) and published by Shawnee Press. Charles spent years arranging choral music for network television, including *The Perry Como Show*, before composing the classroom staple.
Q2: Does "Fifty Nifty United States" include state capitals?
No. "Fifty Nifty United States" lists only the names of the 50 states in alphabetical order from Alabama to Wyoming. For state capitals, music teachers typically rely on alternative songs, most notably "Wakko's America," written by Randy Rogel for the 1993 animated series *Animaniacs*, which pairs every capital with its state to the tune of "Turkey in the Straw."
Q3: How many US states currently have more than one official state song?
More than 15 states have adopted multiple official songs. Tennessee leads the nation with 10 official state songs, followed by states like West Virginia (four songs) and Louisiana (two state songs, plus an official state march and environmental song). States frequently add modern commercial hits to their registry to avoid the controversy of repealing older, archaic historical songs.
