1

Alaskan Malamute

Image: Till Daling

The Alaskan Malamute has been a loyal companion to humans for a long time now since it walked with them across the Bering Strait into present-day Alaska. This breed is smart, athletic, and eager to please their human family. Malamutes are also quite social and will howl to express themselves.

2

Mountain Cur

Image: Josh Bean

Outdoor lovers would enjoy the company of a mountain cur. Originally a working dog for early U.S. settlers , this breed was so valuable to the pioneers that they were often carried by pack animals during travel. These days, Mountain Curs love walking through the prairies and mountains on their paws.

3

Black and Tan Coonhound

Image: Wren Meinberg

Known for their acute sense of smell, black and tan coonhounds are hunting dogs that were originally trained to chase their prey and point out its hiding place . These Coonhounds have floppy ears and soft eyes that make them beautiful pets for everyone.

4

Boston Terrier

Image: Oskar Kadaksoo

Known as the "American Gentlemen", Boston Terriers are small dogs that don’t need a lot of space to be happy . Their short noses make breathing difficult and it is not uncommon to see these pups snoring on the couch after playtime.

Boston Terriers make excellent house pets and are great companions for any family.

5

Boykin Spaniel

Image: Nick Russill

If you haven’t heard of the Boykin Spaniel this might be because this breed is rarely found outside of the American Southeast . The Boykin Spaniel was developed entirely in the 1900s and their history can be traced back to a single stray dog found in South Carolina.

6

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Image: Jorge Alcala

This unique breed dates back to the Louisiana Territory's beginnings and it was originally called the "Catahoula Leopard Cur". The name officially changed when he became the State Dog of Louisiana in 1979. Catahoulas have visually striking merle coats .

7

Bluetick Coonhound

Image: Arya Dubey

The second coonhound on this list, the Bluetick Coonhound is also known for his acute smelling sense that made it a perfect hunting dog . Bluetick Coonhounds can follow a trail even if the scent is several days old and can point to their prey’s hideout. This breed has been declared the State Dog of Tennnessee.

8

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Image: Dana Ward

Retrievers are a very popular breed of dog all over the world and the only American exponent is the Chesapeake Bay retriever. This dog is extremely apt for fetching waterfowl from cold, Northeastern waters.

Even people who are not interested in hunting will find this dog to be an excellent companion. The breed needs to be kept busy, as it has a lot of energy.

9

Australian Shepherd

Image: Amber Mayo

While the name may hint otherwise, the Australian Shepherd is not really Australian. These pups are the most popular American dog breed and have been present since the days of the Wild West.

Australian Shepherds are a great match for active families who love to spend time outdoors and do physical activity often.

10

Carolina Dog

Image: Berkay Gumustekin

A breed believed to have been Native American companion dogs , Carolina dogs were found running free in the 1970s. These pups have even been called the "American dingo" and are quite shy around people.

1

"New York, New York" - Frank Sinatra

Image: Adrian Falcon

Of course, when we think of songs about the Big Apple, the first that comes to mind is the iconic "New York, New York," popularized by Frank Sinatra. Perhaps this is because it’s the tune that best captures the essence , resilient spirit, and unwavering magnetism of the city that never sleeps.

It was written in 1977 by John Kander and Fred Ebb as the theme song for New York, New York , a film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro and Liza Minnelli. Minnelli performed the song in the film, but it wasn’t very successful at the time. It was The Voice 's 1980 version that would turn it into the city's unofficial—yet unquestionable—anthem .

2

"Chelsea Hotel #2" - Leonard Cohen

Image: Thought Catalog

The Chelsea Hotel is one of the most emblematic hotels in New York City. Artists such as William S. Burroughs, Bob Dylan, and Chet Baker, among many others, have stayed there. So, it makes perfect sense that some of these stars were inspired by the iconic building to create some of their most famous works.

Such is the case with Leonard Cohen’s "Chelsea Hotel #2," released in 1974. The lyrics not only recount a romantic encounter between the singer-songwriter and Janis Joplin but also capture the city’s bohemian atmosphere at the time.

3

"New York State of Mind" - Billy Joel

Image: Stefano Zocca

In the mid-1970s, after a long stint in Los Angeles, Bronx-born songwriter Billy Joel was terribly missing his hometown. During a return trip to the Big Apple while on tour, the Piano Man wrote his tribute to the city he loved most: "New York State of Mind."

At the time, the song wasn’t even released as a single and went largely unnoticed. However, over time, it became one of Joel’s signature songs . Decades later, the timeless tune would go on to inspire a hip-hop version—the next one on our list.

4

"Empire State of Mind" - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

Image: ian dooley

With its evocative lyrics, Jay-Z’s modern rhythm, and Alicia Keys’ poignant backing vocals, "Empire State of Mind" captures the essence, energy, and resilient spirit of those who inhabit the city of New York. Released in 2009, the song was an instant hit. It achieved commercial success worldwide and has been featured on multiple critics' top 10 lists of best songs.

As mentioned earlier, the song’s title nods not only to Billy Joel’s "New York State of Mind," but also to rapper Nas’s 1994 single "N.Y. State of Mind."

5

"Autumn in New York" - Billie Holiday

Image: Josh Couch

Did you know that the famous "Autumn in New York" was originally conceived as a poem rather than a song? Its composer, Vernon Duke, wrote it in 1934 while vacationing in Westport, Connecticut, and added the music sometime later. Since then, many artists have recorded their own renditions, including Frank Sinatra, who helped popularize it in 1949.

But perhaps the version that best conveys the haunting melancholy of this iconic jazz standard is Billie Holiday’s, recorded in 1952. With her deep, raspy voice, the Angel of Harlem (see the next song on our list) delivers this love letter to the Empire City like no one else.

6

"Angel of Harlem" - U2

Image: The New York Public Library

"Angel of Harlem," a 1988 single by the Irish band U2, alludes to several New York City landmarks but is also a heartfelt tribute to Billie Holiday.

According to Bono, the song was inspired by the band’s first trip to the Big Apple . When they landed at JFK Airport, a limousine picked them up, and the driver had the radio tuned to Lady Day’s voice. They were so captivated by her sound that they couldn’t help but compose a song in honor of one of the city’s most influential musical figures.

7

"Englishman in New York" – Sting

Image: George Bakos

Bono wasn’t the only foreign artist who was inspired by the Empire City to pen a song. In the late 1980s, Sting released the single "Englishman in New York" as part of his second solo album after the dissolution of The Police. The song quickly became a global hit.

The "Englishman" in question is Sting’s friend, British writer and LGBTQ+ icon Quentin Crisp, who had recently relocated to New York. The singer-songwriter said that the different musical references in the song seek to capture the mood of someone walking down the street and listening to different styles, representing what it's like to walk around New York.

8

"Chelsea Morning" - Joni Mitchell

Image: Dan Braga

One of the most celebrated voices in American folk music, Joni Mitchell, wrote this song about her apartment in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. The song was inspired by the colorful reflections that danced on her walls when sunlight filtered through a mobile made of colored glass she had found in the street.

"Chelsea Morning" is part of her second album Clouds from 1969. Her sweet voice, merry acoustic guitar chords, and hopeful lyrics convey the deep emotions of the hippie lifestyle of a young woman living in 1960s New York.

9

"The Only Living Boy in New York" – Simon & Garfunkel

Image: Camila Fernández

Many songs about New York City explore the loneliness of living in a vast metropolis—and "The Only Living Boy in New York" is no exception. Paul Simon wrote the track when his musical partner, Art Garfunkel, left him behind in the city to film a movie in Mexico.

The song is part of the duo's fifth studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water released in 1970. The song blends bittersweet lyrics with a gentle, introspective melody. Its themes of solitude and longing have resonated with many over the years, inspiring a variety of heartfelt covers by artists who connected with its quiet sorrow.

10

"New York City Serenade" – Bruce Springsteen

Image: Danny Lyon, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While Bruce Springsteen is known for being a New Jersey native, his prolific career also allowed him to write about the city across the Hudson River. "New York City Serenade" is part of the 1973 album The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle , considered by some critics to be one of the greatest albums in rock n' roll history.

The song tells the tormented love story of Billy and Diamonds Jackie as they wander the dark streets of Gotham in the 1970s. Blending Springsteen’s signature suburban rock with elements of jazz and gospel , "New York City Serenade" is one of his most atmospheric and musically ambitious pieces—a sprawling homage to the city’s grit, soul, and romance.

11

"Rhapsody in Blue" – George Gershwin

Image: rosanna17

Although it has no lyrics, we can all agree that this composition is a true musical portrait of 20th-century New York City. Written by George Gershwin in 1924, the piece blends classical tradition with jazz-inflected flourishes, capturing the vibrant, chaotic spirit of the Big Apple in full swing.

The speed and rhythm of the tune perfectly reflect the frenetic life of one of the world's greatest metropolises. "Rhapsody in Blue" is so quintessentially New York that even Woody Allen used it for the opening sequence of his film Manhattan alongside gorgeous vistas of the most iconic locations and buildings in the city.

12

"Downtown Train" – Tom Waits

Image: Erik Calonius, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

You may know this song best from Rod Stewart’s 1989 hit version, but "Downtown Train" was originally written and performed by Tom Waits for his 1985 album Rain Dogs . Without leaving behind his jazz and blues influences —and his trademark avant-garde style—this tune has an unmistakable pop touch.

Set against the backdrop of New York’s restless nightlife, the song paints a wistful portrait of longing and unattainable love—particularly for the elusive Brooklyn girls. Through his gravelly voice and poetic imagery, Waits cements his place as one of the great modern chroniclers of the Big Apple .

1

The King of Rock and Roll

Image: Drew Beamer

Elvis Presley didn’t just sing rock and roll; he embodied it. With a signature blend of charisma, flashy outfits, and unmistakable dance moves, Elvis became a household name in the 1950s—but, of course, you knew that already.

His groundbreaking hits like "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog" resonated across generations, earning him the crown of "The King." The title wasn’t just about record sales, it also reflected his status as a cultural icon who changed the music scene forever. So much so that it is still the number one place in this article! He bridged gaps between musical styles, influencing countless artists to follow. His legacy lives on, proving that some kings don’t need a throne—just a stage and a guitar. Long live the King!

2

The Sultan of Swat

Image: Lesly Juarez

Baseball is one of the best American traditions, and some figures have even outgrown the sport to become national treasures. Babe Ruth is proof of that! The player had more than one nickname , but "The Sultan of Swat," was a tribute to his legendary baseball career.

He was known for his massive home runs and larger-than-life personality. With that, Ruth transformed baseball from a strategic game to a spectacle—a characteristic that is still true of the sport today. During his time with the New York Yankees, he set records that seemed untouchable, like his famous 60-home-run season in 1927. Crowds would pack stadiums just to watch him swing, and he rarely disappointed.

Ruth’s influence was undeniable, and he became a symbol of hope during the Roaring Twenties. After saying all this, "Sultan" doesn’t seem enough, don’t you think?

3

Moses

Image: Kirt Morris

No, we’re not talking about the real Moses, but what did Harriet Tubman have to do to earn a nickname like this? Let’s see.

The nickname is, of course, a comparison. Tubman was a heroic figure, and like the biblical Moses, she led people to freedom—only her path was the Underground Railroad.

Tubman escaped slavery herself , and as if that wasn’t remarkable enough, she then risked her life to guide others north to safety. Her bravery and strategic brilliance helped free over 70 individuals directly, and she advised countless others.

This was no easy task, as you can imagine. It involved evading slave catchers and facing all kinds of risks, especially during the night. After such heroic deeds, "Moses" was the fitting nickname!

4

The Father of His Country

Image: Library of Congress

We can’t exclude Washington from this list and, even though he had more than one nickname, this one sums it all up perfectly: They don’t call George Washington "The Father of His Country" for nothing!

As the first President of the US , he essentially set the standard for everything, from leadership to integrity. But before becoming president, he led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, helping America gain independence.

What’s truly remarkable? Well, we could just enumerate a long list of reasons, but the fact that he stepped away from power when he could’ve held onto it, was a move that showed his true character. He didn’t want to be a king; he just wanted a country where power was passed peacefully. He acted like a true father, and his legacy is as rock-solid as the monuments built in his honor!

5

Ol' Blue Eyes

Image: Andrea Riondino

Back to the music world and the stars our country has created, we need to mention Frank Sinatra’s nickname, "Ol' Blue Eyes," which perfectly captures his good looks (and served as great publicity, too!).

With a voice as smooth as velvet , Sinatra enchanted the world through classics like "My Way" and "New York, New York." But it was his piercing blue eyes that added to his mystique, charming audiences everywhere.

He wasn’t just a singer; he was a seasoned performer who brought a sense of drama and romance to every song. His career spanned decades, influencing both music and film. Now, did you know this wasn’t the only nickname? He was also known as "Chairman of the Board"—you can already imagine why!

6

The Greatest

Image: Nelson Ndongala

Not Muhammad, nor "The Greatest," he was actually born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. The story of how he came to be named Muhammad is tied to his religious choices, but "The Greatest" was simply a result of his dominance in boxing.

Muhammad Ali’s nickname wasn’t just bravado; he lived up to it with his unparalleled skill in the boxing ring . He moved his feet at a disorienting speed and had some witty pre-fight rhymes, Ali changed the way the world saw boxing. Ali won the heavyweight title three times and defeated legends like Sonny Liston and George Foreman.

Beyond the sport, Ali stood up for his beliefs. He refused military service on moral grounds and spoke out for civil rights. His legacy goes beyond boxing because Ali wasn’t just a fighter; he was a champion in every sense. He truly was the greatest!

7

Lady Lindy

Image: Tomas Martinez

This is the story every little kid should hear before going to bed, dreaming about adventures and dreams coming true. Now, aside from that, let’s see how Amelia Earhart got her nickname, "Lady Lindy."

This moniker is actually a nod to Charles Lindbergh , an American aviator who made the first non-stop flight from New York to Paris. In 1932, Earhart made history by becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

This may not sound impressive today, but her daring feats challenged gender norms and inspired women to pursue their own ambitions, something that wasn’t really encouraged back then! Even after her mysterious disappearance in 1937, she remains an icon of adventure and courage. She dared to dream—and to fly—big!

8

Old Hickory

Image: Elsa Olofsson

If America is great today, that’s because the first men who ruled dared to be brave! And Andrew Jackson wasn’t just brave—he was also tough as hickory wood . Andrew Jackson’s nickname "Old Hickory," was a testament to his grit and toughness.

As a general, he led troops to victory during the War of 1812, most famously at the Battle of New Orleans. His soldiers compared him to hickory wood, known for its resilience and strength. Jackson carried this reputation into his presidency, where he championed the common man and fought fiercely against political opponents. No president in US history escaped controversy, but his leadership style was as unyielding as his nickname suggests. Whether admired or criticized, Jackson’s stubbornness defined his legacy. Old Hickory, indeed, was as tough as they come.

9

The Queen of Soul

Image: Mick Haupt

If you get a nickname that starts with "King" or "Queen" you better be either Elvis Presley or Aretha Franklin. She wasn’t just a singer; she was the singer, which earned her the title "The Queen of Soul."

Her voice could move mountains, and she brought gospel roots to mainstream music with hits like "Respect" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." Aretha’s influence extended beyond her music—she became an emblem of civil rights and female empowerment. Her powerful performances transcended genres, and people all over the world adored her.

Even after her passing, her songs remain anthems of empowerment. Franklin’s reign over soul music is unchallenged and timeless. We couldn’t expect less—that’s the job of a true Queen!

10

The Man Behind the Mouse

Image: Travis Gergen

We say "Mouse" and you can only think of Mickey, and if we say "The Man Behind the Mouse," you can only picture Walt . And you’d be right, indeed!

Walt Disney’s nickname, "The Man Behind the Mouse," hints at the magic he brought to life with Mickey Mouse and hundreds of other iconic characters. He was a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the animation industry, creating classics like Snow White and Cinderella . But it was Mickey Mouse that started it all—a symbol of hope and imagination during the Great Depression.

That was the beginning, but certainly not the end as the little mouse quickly turned into theme parks, bigger studios, millions of merchandise products, and countless dreams for people all over the world!