The “50 Nifty United States” song is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a cultural touchstone for generations of Americans. If you attended elementary school in the US, the chances are high that the alphabetical roll call of states, punctuated by a spirited “Wyohhhhhh-ming!”, is etched into your memory, possibly more vividly than historical dates or constitutional amendments. This simple yet effective song has become a ubiquitous mnemonic device, helping countless children learn the fifty states. But how did this seemingly unassuming novelty song from a 1960s variety show achieve such enduring popularity?
The origin of this educational earworm can be traced back to November 1, 1961, on Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall. This weekly variety show, aiming to celebrate the diversity of the nation, introduced a segment dedicated to a different state each week. To accompany this feature, a new theme song was debuted for Missouri’s tribute episode: “Fifty Nifty United States.” The initial lyrics were straightforward and patriotic:
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 the subsequent alphabetical listing of the states that truly cemented the song’s place in American culture. Starting with “Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut,” and culminating in “West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyohhhhhh-ming!”, this section transformed a patriotic jingle into an invaluable educational tool.
Many adults can attest to the song’s effectiveness. Even years after leaving elementary school, the state names flow effortlessly from the tongue, a testament to the power of music in learning. This phenomenon isn’t geographically limited; anecdotes of learning “Fifty Nifty United States” resonate across the nation, from California to Connecticut, Hawaii to Massachusetts. Even Lin-Manuel Miranda, the acclaimed creator of Hamilton, fondly recalled it as his “favorite song from elementary-school chorus,” demonstrating its widespread reach and appeal.
But the unlikely journey of “Fifty Nifty United States” from a brief TV segment to a national educational staple is a fascinating story in itself. The composer, Ray Charles (not the famous soul singer, but a prolific composer-arranger for stage and screen), unfortunately passed away in 2015 and couldn’t fully explain the song’s unexpected ascent to fame. Despite a long and successful career, including composing the theme for Three’s Company, Charles remained somewhat unaware of the song’s educational impact, reportedly only realizing its use in schools about a decade before his passing.
The odds were certainly stacked against “Fifty Nifty United States” achieving lasting fame. Kraft Music Hall was a moderately popular show, but far from a cultural phenomenon. Most of the special material Charles created for the show had a fleeting lifespan. Furthermore, the original version of “Fifty Nifty United States” was a mere 47-second ditty, lacking the iconic state roll call. Interestingly, Perry Como’s state tributes themselves were short-lived, only highlighting 25 states before the segment concluded in 1963.
The key to the song’s transformation lies in a decision made after its initial broadcast. According to Ray Charles’ sons, Jonathan and Michael, someone approached Charles with the idea of publishing the song. Faced with the brevity of the original 47-second version, Charles expanded it by adding the alphabetical list of states. This addition, born out of practical necessity for publication, proved to be the stroke of genius that propelled “Fifty Nifty United States” into educational immortality.
Ray Charles’ personality likely influenced this alphabetical approach. Described by his sons as a meticulous “saver and archivist” with a love for organization, particularly alphabetical order, it’s no surprise he chose this structured format for the expanded song. This systematic approach, while perhaps musically driven by the need to lengthen the song without complex rhyming, inadvertently unlocked its potential as a powerful mnemonic device.
The mid-20th century saw a rise in popularity of choral music and a growing market for accessible song arrangements. Music publishers recognized the untapped potential in providing modern, engaging tunes for school choirs, who had traditionally focused on classical pieces. “Fifty Nifty United States,” with its catchy melody, wholesome patriotism, and now, educational value, was perfectly positioned to be embraced by music educators. The decision to publish and distribute the song was a prescient move that capitalized on this emerging trend.
While the exact trajectory of the song’s spread through educational circles remains somewhat unclear, there are hints of its dissemination. A performance at the National Education Association’s annual meeting in 1963 might have introduced it to a wider audience of teachers. The American Legion Auxiliary, a patriotic women’s group with likely teacher members, published the lyrics in their 1970 newsletter. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some schools adopted the song as early as the late 1960s. By 1975, it was featured in a music conference program, performed by an elementary school choir, indicating its growing integration into music education curricula.
The enduring appeal of “Fifty Nifty United States” in classrooms is easily understood. Debra Erck, a music teacher who has taught the song for decades, highlights its “catchy tune, quick rhythms, and of course, the challenge” as key factors in its popularity with students. She also notes its accessibility compared to other patriotic songs, citing its contemporary lyrics and manageable melodic range, unlike the challenging notes of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Beyond its educational utility, “Fifty Nifty United States” possesses a subtle charm that resonates even with adults. It’s a song that feels inherently American without resorting to overt jingoism or grand pronouncements of exceptionalism. Instead, it presents a simple catalog of the nation’s components – the states themselves. As Ray Charles himself noted, knowing the song can even “win a bet at the bar,” highlighting its practical knowledge value. While perhaps not Charles’ most artistically profound work, “Fifty Nifty United States” stands out for its enduring catchiness, educational effectiveness, and its unique place as a shared cultural artifact. In an increasingly divided nation, this simple song remains a unifying element, passed down through generations, carrying a gentle reminder of the components that make up the United States of America.
