Politics & Government

From Classic to Kid Rock: Mitt Romney's Campaign Playlist

As I waited for Mitt Romney to enter his town hall meeting in Arbutus, I took note of the songs playing on the PA system.

How do you entertain a hyped audience of Mitt Romney supporters as they wait for the Republican presidential candidate? Play some good tunes, of course.

Before Romney’s campaign song, Kid Rock’s “Born Free,” played, and before he spoke to a packed house at Arbutus’ Dewey Lowman American Legion Post 109, a playlist consisting almost entirely of songs I have my own iPod played. I’m not sure what it all means, but it seems like the majority of the music was Motown or classic rock – songs that have a multi-generational appeal.

I did miss a song or two, after all I was covering a presidential candidate’s town hall meeting, but here is the playlist from what I could tell:

Find out what's happening in Arbutuswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. Martha and the Vandellas – “Dancing in the Street
This is a pretty festive song, and it’s been covered by a variety of artists, including Van Halen and The Grateful Dead.

2. Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band – “Old Time Rock and Roll
I like that old time rock 'n' roll too, Mitt.

Find out what's happening in Arbutuswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3. The Temptations – “My Girl
This is a classic from one of the best vocal groups to ever walk the Earth. This song, too, has been covered many times over by the likes of Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton and more. Check out this instrumental version by The Budos Band.

4. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Can anyone honestly resist the urge to sing along with this song? I certainly can’t.

5. KISS – “Detroit Rock City
Here’s where the playlist took an interesting turn. I was quickly reminded by my colleagues that Romney was born in Michigan, but I still appreciate some KISS among the Motown.

6. KISS – “Shout it Out Loud
Why have one KISS song when you could have two?

7. Marvin Gaye – “I Heard it Through the Grapevine
Recorded in April 1967, this became one of Marvin Gaye’s signature songs. It has also been covered numerous times. I recommend checking out Creedence Clearwater Revival’s full version, which clocks in at 10:53.

8. Diana Ross and The Supremes – “Stop! In the Name of Love
Sticking with the oldies theme, this song may have not won a Grammy in 1966, but it is listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.

9. The Contours – “Do You Love Me
Another dance song, which seemed to serve no other purpose than to name the “mashed potato” and “the twist” to get people dancing. Nothing wrong with that.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Arbutus