April is right around the corner. This means sun shining, windows down, music loud. Are you picturing it yet? Okay, now you’ve turned on your Spotify playlist filled with the best trucker songs of all time—some new, some old, all awesome. Now you’re really in a good mood!

When listening to many, many old, famous songs, the trend that was sticking out was that most of these hits were first released in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Major movies were also released at this time (like Convoy and Duel). Both of these ultimately gave trucking worldwide attention.

Truckers, this list is especially for you.  Your long hauls, both near and far, deserve some good jams to cruise down an open road. It is important to note that many of the videos linked will bring gorgeous 18-wheeler shots. Enjoy!

Famous Trucker Songs:

East Bound and Down

“East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’, 
We’re gonna do what they say can’t be done. “

Thank you Jerry Reed. From ringback tones to movie soundtracks, this song first braced its presence in 1977.  Aaron Tippin, The Road Hammers, and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes all added their personal touches to the recordings of this song.  Most recently, the up and coming country band, Midland, sang a rendition at the CMA Awards back in November.

Six Days on the Road

“Well I pulled outta Pittsburgh a rollin’ down that Eastern Sea board
I got my diesel wound up and she’s a runnin’ like a never before”

RIP Dave Dudley.  He released this song in 1963, and 40 years later, he was laid to rest. With six covers of his original song, it’s no wonder why this is known as the truck-driving anthem. Both him and the talent he conveyed will never be forgotten.

Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses

“Eighteen wheels and a dozen roses 
Ten more miles on his four day run”

Kathy Mattea was acknowledged in 1989 for being named both Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Kathy has been publicly known for struggling with her vocal cords through the years.  She was able to push through and returned to the spotlight at the end of 2018 with a new album for the first time in six years: Pretty Bird!

Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)

“Roll on highway, roll on along
Roll on daddy till you get back home “

Country fan or not, most humans know who Alabama is. This song was their 12th number one single in a row!! Aaron Tippin also covered this song, along with several others. Released in 1983, you will find these on most, if not every, trucking song list out there.  A classic for all.

Brothers of the Highway

“Brothers of the highway, children of the wind,
That Detroit diesel pirate ship goes rollin out again,
Sailin for that settin sun, freedoms your best friend,
Brothers of the highway, children of the wind.“

We are 5 songs in, and this will be Aaron Tipppin’s third appearance.  He joins Tony Justice on this record.  This is the most recent song on the list, which was released just three years ago, in 2016. Not only is this song entertaining, but so is the video! Truckers everywhere will find this song incredibly related and a must for this list.

Convoy

“Come on and join our convoy
Ain’t nothin’ gonna get in our way.
We gonna roll this truckin’ convoy
‘Cross the U-S-A.
Convoy!”

C.W. McCall, 1975. Basis of the film Convoy, just three years later.  The song was on both the country and pop charts. With trucker slang and a sense of community, the life of a trucker is easily understood in this number one hit.

Asphalt Cowboy

“The sun has opened up my eyes
And I don’t want to leave your side “

A love song about how life can be tough on the road without a trucker’s loved one(s). Jason Aldean brings all the feels in 2005.  It’s powerful and personal. It’s relatable and will have truckers grabbing their phones to call those closest to him/her. This is a reminder to those who may forget how difficult the life of a trucker can be, but continue to ride. They are the ones who keep American moving.

Mama Knows the Highway

“Mama knows the highway by the songs
When she hears a good one, she always sings along”

Where are our lady truckers out there? Hal Ketchum is singing to you! With the highway being her home away from him, she knows it like the back of her hand. 1992, when female truckers MAYBE took up 4% of all truckers. They are a force nonetheless and will hopefully continue to grow the industry in years and decades to come.

Movin’ On

“Big wheels rollin’, big wheels rollin’
Movin’ on.”

Another song, released in 1975, that found its way to the big screen.  Movin’ On was a series that ran for two years on television. This record was Merle Haggard’s tribute to those who live their life behind the wheel. It was around this time where Merle was at the height of his career.

Truckin’

“Truckin’ got my chips cashed in. Keep truckin’, like the do-dah man
Together, more or less in line, just keep truckin’ on.”

Not your typical trucker song, Grateful Dead brought this hit to life in 1970. Grateful Dead is know for their many sounds; rock, blues, folk, jazz, gospel, country to name a few. Truckin’ held its place on the charts for eight weeks. Five men brought this band to life in San Francisco and have been around for over 50 years. You can find their songs far and wide!

It says 10 songs, but here is a little treat: Titled “Ode to My Peterbilt,” this song is an original, released four years ago with over 10k views! Bill Weaver is his name, and he is like many of you, spending most of his days on the open road…in a Pete.

Hope you enjoyed the chosen tracks, their sound, and the emotions it brought. Allstate Peterbilt Group knows how important you truckers are and will always have our biggest support.  If you’re a reader who is considering a career and trucking, and either want to apply or just learn more, look no further. We are always here to support you the best we can.