Any music list that purports to be a “Best of” or “Most Popular” is bound to cause heated discussion. We all have our preferences when it comes to music, often quite different from others. What constitutes a great song to one person is not necessarily another person’s cup of tea. However, a consensus is possible, with room for lively debate, as to what are the most popular piano songs in each genre.

With that in mind, the following are a list of songs considered in the upper echelon of their categories. Of course, you may want to add or take away from this list. It really is a subjective undertaking. The variety of music out there is what makes these lists ever changing.

That’s why talking about and listening to music is so much fun. The plethora of songs and opinions about them is infinite. Here’s to lively discourse on the most popular piano pieces across several categories. The envelope please, here’s the top picks of each category.

Classical

Most classical lists include Beethoven’s Fur Elise and Moonlight Sonata. There’s also Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major, Gymnopedie No.1 by Erik Satie, and Hungarian Dance by Brahms. In addition, there is Debussy’s Clair de Lune and the Turkish March by Mozart.

Jazz

What’s a jazz list without The Entertainer by Scott Joplin or Take Five by Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond. There’s also Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk, The Girl From Ipanema by Antonio Carlos Jobim, and My Funny Valentine by Rodgers and Hart now considered a jazz standard.

Popular

The popular list is endless when it comes to best loved by audiences. The Rose by Amanda McBroom and Your Song by Elton John are very popular. So are The Charlie Brown Theme by Vince Guaraldi, Days of Wine and Roses by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini and Color My World by Chicago. On top of that are Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler, and Michelle by the Beatles.

Country and Western

The country list would have to include He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones. That list would also include Crazy by Patsy Cline, along with her I Fall To Pieces. Your Cheatin’ Heart by Hank Williams Sr., Tennessee Waltz by Patti Page and The Dance by Garth Brooks are fine additions to the list. So is San Antonio Rose by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.

Folk

In the folk category, no list is complete without This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie. This list would also include The Times They Are A ‘Changing as well as Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan. Where Have All the Flowers Gone by Pete Seeger, and Stay by Alison Krause are good choices. So are Woodstock by Joni Mitchell, and Tom Dooley by The Kingston Trio.

Gospel

The gospel category is replete with popular songs. This list includes Amazing Grace, Because He Lives, and Daddy Sang Bass, which inspire their listeners. In addition, there’s Peace in the Valley, Just a Little Talk With Jesus, and Wings of a Dove, among a host of others.

Rock

The rock genre has too many to name but we’ll give you a handful here. There’s Hey Jude by the Beatles, Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin and Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry. On top of that, we have Rock Around the Clock BY Bill Haley, Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley, and Hotel California by The Eagles.

Patriotic

For our vast expanse called America, there’s the Battle Hymn of the Republic and My Country ‘Tis of Thee in the patriotic songs category. Another wildly popular one is Proud to be an American by Lee Greenwood. We also have God Bless America, and of course The Star Spangled Banner.

Children

For the younger set there’s Mary Had a Little Lamb, I’ve Been Working on the Railroad and ABC’s (aka Now I Know My ABC’S). This list also has Itsy Bitsy Spider, Baa Baa Black Sheep and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Campfire

In front of a warm fire, we have Leaving on a Jet Plane by Frank Sinatra, Day-O by Harry Belafonte and Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver. We also have House of the Rising Sun by the Animals, and Brown-Eyed Girl by Van Morrison.

Dance

In the Dance category, there’s Billy Jean by Michael Jackson and Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez. This list also has Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees, YMCA By The Village People and the Macarena by Los del Rio.

There you go. Playing any of the above songs on the piano is sure to provide you much enjoyment. Piano books, online and offline abound with these songs, written for different skill levels. Try to come up with your own list of the top piano songs of all time. You’ll be amazed at how hard it is to choose from the thousands of songs available. There’s enough music out there to always be learning something new.

To learn some wonderful American Patriotic songs, click here: American Patriotic Songs