Duluth Songs
Hauliwood Dreams – “Finns in America”
Duluth’s Steve Solkela partners with Maria Voltaine, Miska Kajanus and Jaakko Manninen to form the Finnish-American novelty band Hauliwood Dreams for this parody of Kim Wilde’s 1981 hit “Kids in America.” The “Finns in America” lyrics are by Voltaine.
Annie Humphrey – “500 Years”
Twenty-five years ago today — May 9, 2000 — Annie Humphrey-Jimenez released her debut album, The Heron Smiled.
At the 1:54 mark she sings:
Louisiana to Duluth
it is buried in the white man’s truth
Sugar on the Roof – “Over the Great Saltless Sea”
Sugar on the Roof has a new self-titled album out on Philville Records. The track “Over the Great Saltless Sea” is highlighted here as the latest addition to Perfect Duluth Day’s list of more than 100 songs with “Duluth” in the lyrics or title.
Dan Bern with Jane’s Great Dane – “Cowboy”
Here’s a little ditty for all the young cowboys who “rustled cattle in Missouri and brought them up to Duluth.”
Mystery Science Theater 3000 Cast – “What a Pleasant Journey”
Thirty years ago today — Sept. 18, 1993 — the sci-fi comedy series Mystery Science Theater 3000 mentioned Duluth in “The Train Song” a.k.a. “What a Pleasant Journey.” Specifically referenced in the lyrics is the 1992 benzine spill in Superior known as “Toxic Tuesday.” (more…)
Marty Marflow and the Melody Makers (featuring the Calhoun Sisters) – “Duluth St. Paul & Winona”
There are a few songs on Perfect Duluth Day’s list of songs with “Duluth” in the lyrics or title that are not available online. The one we highlight here is “Duluth St. Paul & Winona” by Marty Marflow and the Melody Makers (featuring the Calhoun Sisters), which was released 20 years ago. (more…)
The Slamming Doors – “Goddamn Duluth”
Last April the Current released the eighth edition of its Sounds Like Home virtual festival series, which featured artists from greater Minnesota. Duluth band the Slamming Doors performed a Duluth Song during its set, embedded above.
The Repairmen – “Duluth Song”
Duluth-based folk rockers the Repairmen released their contribution to ever-growing collection of “Duluth Songs” in 2019 on the album Garage.
Maya Hawke – “Sweet Tooth”
The latest reference to Duluth in song comes from Maya Hawke, daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke. She released her second album, Moss, in September. The song “Sweet Tooth” mentions an empty theater in Duluth around the 30-second mark. (more…)
Japancakes – “Duluth 7.5”
Twenty years ago today — March 21, 2002 — the band Japancakes released its album Belmondo as volume 19 of Darla Records’ ambient Bliss Out series. The album features the track “Duluth 7.5.” Note, however, that the tune gets second-class status among music that references Duluth because the band is from Athens, Ga., and therefore is almost certainly referring to Duluth, Ga.
Lindula Brothers – “A Cold Day in Duluth”
From the Lindula Brothers‘ 2020 self-titled album, a little song about coming home.
David Dondero – “Oh Minnesota”
Duluth-born troubadour David Dondero performed at Wussow’s Concert Cafe on Tuesday. One of his new songs mentions the Zenith City and a variety of Minnesota locations. The song was penned in 2019 and hasn’t appeared on any official releases, but the demo track linked here was posted to Patreon. (more…)
David Munyon – “Coffee in Duluth”
The song “Coffee in Duluth” is not available on the internet, but we nonetheless note its existence on Perfect Duluth Day … just because that’s what we do. (more…)
Dave Simonett – “Central Hillside Blues”
Dave Simonette has a new EP out titled Orion. The first single, “Central Hillside Blues,” of course references the neighborhood in the middle of Duluth.
The EP is available via multiple internet platforms.
Luke Zimmerman – “Duluth”
Roughly 15 years ago, Minneapolis singer/songwriter Luke Zimmerman released his solo debut album Twilight Waltz, featuring this track called “Duluth.” Various release dates from 2005 to 2007 are listed on the internet, but allmusic.com reports Jan. 24, 2006.
Haroula Rose – “Duluth”
Ten years ago today — Jan. 18, 2011 — Los Angeles-based musician Haroula Rose released her debut album These Open Roads, which includes a cover of the Mason Jennings song “Duluth.”
Bailey is Short Rap
This is basically an in-joke between friends but local and fun enough to post. A diss track inspired by my short friend Bailey. She dared me to do this, is how I remember it.
Music: “Young Thug Type Beat 2018 – ‘Sippin’ | Trap Instrumental 2018” by MADEBYFLOWERZ
The Richardson Brothers: Bailey is Short Rap
Diss track about my short friend Bailey. Music: "Young Thug Type Beat 2018 - 'Sippin' | Trap Instrumental 2018" by
richardsonbrothers.libsyn.com
Teague Alexy – “Christmas Bells, Holiday Drums (Jingle, Jangle)”
New Christmas music from Teague Alexy, featuring Brian Wells on bass.
Produced and written by Teague Alexy, mixed and mastered by Jake Larson, recorded at the Igloo in Duluth. Artwork by Heidi Feroe, art direction and graphic design by Joshua Priestley.
Eric Thiegs – “Duluth”
There’s not a lot of info about musician Eric Thiegs available on the internet, but we do know a song called “Duluth” appeared on his 2005 album Distant & Clean. Maybe he’s “a boy from Duluth” singing with “a girl from the city.”
A Love Letter to Duluth
Video illustrated and animated by Dave and Jean Kirwan; song by Al Trace and the Revelers.
Richard G. Hofacre – “City Lights of Duluth”
This song by Richard Gary Hofacre, which hit YouTube in 2012, has roots going back about 60 years. (more…)
Ben Rosenbush and the Brighton – “Duluth”
Duluth native Ben Rosenbush penned a song about the Zenith City for his band’s second album. Ben Rosenbush and the Brighton‘s 2012 release, A Wild Hunger, included a track titled simply “Duluth.” (more…)
James Moors – “Welcome to Duluth”
James Moors‘ “Welcome to Duluth” appeared on the 2008 album Hush. (more…)
Brian Just – “Duluth”
Minneapolis-based musician Brian Just released a song called “Duluth” on his 2005 album Every Tree and Every Stone.