25+ Songs For Your Kentucky Derby Music Playlist

The Kentucky Derby takes place the first Saturday in May wrapping up the 2 week long festival in Louisville. If you’re watching from home this May 2nd, 2026, it’s the perfect time to host a Kentucky Derby party, grab your mint juleps and get ready to watch the horse races with this Kentucky Derby playlist.

This Kentucky Derby music playlist starts with the traditional classics from Johnny Cash, and continues through some of today’s hits about horses, races, and of course bourbon. This year, don't miss 'Take Me Back to Kentucky' by GudGroove — a brand new track released just in time for the 2026 Derby.

Pro Tip: Stream our Kentucky Derby playlist for free on Spotify here.

Here are the top songs to add to your Kentucky Derby playlist:

• Take Me Back to Kentucky - GudGroove
• Blue Moon of Kentucky - Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys
• My Old Kentucky Home - Johnny Cash
• Run For The Roses - Dan Fogelberg
• Dead Flowers - The Rolling Stones
• Kentucky Gambler - Merle Haggard
• Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
• Bourbon in Kentucky - Dierks Bentley
• Beer for My Horses - Toby Keith, Willie Nelson
• Party Up At The Downs - Phil Solem
• Wild Horses - The Rolling Stones
• A Horse With No Name - America
• High Horse - Kacey Musgraves
• Old Town Road - Lil Nas X
• Tennessee Stud - Johnny Cash
• White Horse - Taylor Swift
• Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi
• The Race is On - George Jones
• Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses - U2
• One Mint Julep - The Clovers
• Down & Derby - Watt White
• Kentucky Jelly - Brad Paisley
• Up on Cripple Creek - The Band
• Jockey Full of Bourbon - Tom Waits
• Molly and Tenbrooks (The Racehorse Song) - Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys
• Dark Horse -  Katy Perry, Juicy J
• My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight - John Prine

Hosting a Kentucky Derby party? Find live musical entertainment for your Kentucky Derby party here on The Bash. And, don’t forget to hire a bartender to make classic Derby cocktails.