50 Greatest City, State, And Town Songs – #36: “Daytona Nights” by Hank Williams, Jr.

50 Greatest City, State, And Town Songs: #36

“Daytona Nights” BY Hank Williams, Jr.

Album: “Hog Wild”

Chart Peak: N/A (unreleased)

City, State, or Town: Daytona Beach, Florida

One of modern country music’s most influential outlaws kept to his rebel personality in the 90s by releasing a mildly successful rock/country album which contained a party song dedicated to good times in the popular Florida vacation location. Hank mixes his traditional musical style into the song to put it on the edge of country and it’s concept made it a major hit even though the song never hit radio or the charts. There’s nothing like a party song to give your city a good name.

Of course Daytona has always been a popular getaway. NASCAR, resorts, the famous beaches, and the beautiful scenery have drawn countless people to this famous vacation spot. That fame is risen even more as Hank shows just how enjoyable the town really is, especially at night when all the good girls and boys have gone to bed. On a journey through Florida to relax and enjoy himself, Hank finds himself with a map of the state and picking out what he plans to do. He includes Orlando and Panama City as decent spots to check out but ultimately says when the sun goes down head to Daytona for a real good time.

As you would expect Hank throws in every aspect that makes up the “beauty” of Daytona Beach from girls in as little clothing as possible to popular party sites like The Last Resort and the Boot Hill Saloon. This song sells Daytona’s getaway quality so well that I wouldn’t be surprised to hear it even today blasting the stereos of potential beach goers and night life lunatics. Hank always knows how to have a good time and obviously he knows where to find it and when.