A Look Back at Songs Inspired by the Ford Mustang

The auto company unveiled its 10-millionth Mustang last week.

Jake Neher/WDET

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There was a joyous moment in the auto industry last week as Ford rolled out its 10-millionth Mustang off the production line.

The classic muscle car has become an American icon, a world-wide icon, and has inspired a ton of great music over the last 55 years.

WDET’s Rob Reinhart looks back at some of those hit songs.

Following a classic rhythm and blues structure, “Mustang Sally” was first written and recorded by Detroit’s Mack Rice in 1965.

A year later, Wilson Pickett and John Lee Hooker both released their own renditions of “Mustang Sally.” The Pickett version is still the most known to this day. 

Also in 1966, Chuck Berry released “My Mustang Ford” on Chess Records.

The Mustang is an American classic, but it’s also left an indelible mark on artists in Europe.

French singer Serge Gainsbourg sang about the car on his song “Ford Mustang” from his 1968 album, Initials B.B.

Other artists that have referenced the Mustang include Elton John, country artist Jack Ingram, Eminem, and Lana Del Ray.

 

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