Did you grow up in the United States? If so, chances are you can rattle off all fifty states in alphabetical order without even thinking about it. This isn’t due to sheer memorization prowess, but likely thanks to a catchy tune called “Fifty Nifty United States.” This song, a surprisingly effective mnemonic device, has been a staple in American elementary schools for decades. But how did a short novelty song from a 1960s variety show become such a widespread educational tool? Let’s dive into the history of this earworm and explore why the “50 States Song Alphabetical Order” remains so popular.
The origin of this educational phenomenon can be traced back to November 1, 1961, on Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall. This weekly variety show featured a segment dedicated to celebrating individual states. For the Missouri episode, a new theme song was introduced: “Fifty Nifty United States.” The initial lyrics were simple:
Fifty nifty United States from thirteen original colonies
Fifty nifty stars in the flag that billows so beautifully in the breeze
Each individual state contributes a quality that is great
Each individual state deserves a bow
Let’s salute one now!
While this introductory verse is pleasant, it’s not the part that’s etched into the memory of generations of American schoolchildren. The magic, the mnemonic power, lies in the section that follows – the rapid-fire, alphabetical listing of all 50 states. Starting with “Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut,” and culminating in “West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyohhhhhh-ming!” this alphabetical roll call is the heart of the “50 states song alphabetical order” phenomenon.
For many, like myself, who learned this song in elementary school (around 1997 in my case), the “Fifty Nifty United States” song is more readily recalled than historical facts or constitutional amendments. Ask most adults who grew up in the US, and they’ll likely be able to sing the state names, alphabetized, without hesitation. This isn’t a regional quirk either. Anecdotal evidence points to its nationwide reach, with people from California to Connecticut, Hawaii to Virginia, and many states in between, all reporting learning the song in their childhood classrooms. Even Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, fondly remembers “Fifty Nifty United States” as his “favorite song from elementary-school chorus,” even flawlessly performing the state roll call.
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So, how did this seemingly insignificant novelty tune from a bygone TV era transform into a cornerstone of American elementary education and a powerful mnemonic device for learning the “50 states song alphabetical order”?
Sadly, the composer, Ray Charles (not that Ray Charles, but a prolific composer for stage and screen), passed away in 2015 and couldn’t fully explain the song’s enduring legacy. Known for his work on shows like Three’s Company and The Muppet Show, Charles, in a 2008 interview, expressed surprise at the song’s educational popularity, stating he “didn’t realize until about 10 years ago it was being used in schools.”
The odds were certainly stacked against “Fifty Nifty United States” becoming a children’s classic. Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall wasn’t a top-rated show, and most of Charles’ compositions for the program were one-off performances, quickly forgotten. The original version of “Fifty Nifty United States” for the show was a mere 47 seconds long and didn’t even include the alphabetical state listing. Furthermore, the state tribute segment itself only covered 25 states before the show’s cancellation in 1963.
According to Charles’ sons, Jonathan and Michael, the song’s transformation occurred when someone approached Charles about publishing the song after its Kraft Music Hall debut. Faced with publishing a 47-second song, Charles expanded it by adding the alphabetical state roll call. As Jonathan Charles explained, his father, a meticulous “saver and archivist” with a love for organization, opted for the alphabetical listing over rhyming. Michael Charles further emphasized his father’s love for order, noting his meticulously alphabetized collection of thousands of LPs, CDs, and cassettes.
During the mid-20th century, there was a growing market for accessible, modern songs for school choirs. Music publishers recognized this opportunity, and choir directors were eager to move beyond traditional classical pieces. The publisher of “Fifty Nifty United States” likely foresaw its appeal to music educators – a catchy, wholesome, and patriotic song perfectly suited for teaching the “50 states song alphabetical order.”
The exact path of the song’s adoption by educators is somewhat unclear, but there are hints. In 1963, the song was performed at the National Education Association’s annual meeting, potentially introducing it to thousands of teachers. In 1970, the American Legion Auxiliary newsletter, widely read by patriotic women, including teachers, suggested it as the “patriotic song for October.” Anecdotally, some individuals recall learning the song in New Jersey public schools as early as the late 1960s or early 1970s. By 1975, “Fifty Nifty United States” was featured in a music conference program performed by an elementary school choir, demonstrating its growing presence in educational settings.
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The reasons behind the song’s popularity as an educational tool are clear. Debra Erck, the music teacher who taught me the song, highlighted its “catchy tune, quick rhythms, and of course, the challenge” as key factors in its appeal to children. She also noted its accessibility compared to other patriotic songs, with more contemporary lyrics and a manageable melodic range, unlike the challenging notes of the national anthem.
Ultimately, “Fifty Nifty United States,” and the “50 states song alphabetical order” it champions, endures because it’s effective and enjoyable. It’s not a song steeped in jingoism or overt patriotism; it’s simply a memorable catalog of the United States. As Ray Charles himself noted, knowing the song is a fun fact – “You can win a bet at the bar.” While Charles created numerous compositions throughout his career, “Fifty Nifty United States” stands out for its catchiness, challenge, and enduring usefulness. In a divided nation, it remains a shared cultural touchstone, passed down through generations, teaching each new cohort the “50 states song alphabetical order” in a uniquely memorable way.
Thanks to Marie McCarthy of the University of Michigan.
