Icons are everywhere, but they all started somewhere. From Noam Chomsky to Elon Musk, to Elizabeth Banks and Tory Burch, Penn has famous alumni in every field—business, politics, athletics, you name it. That includes famous artists who have made their mark in the music industry, topping Billboard charts for years with lasting hits. While non–exhaustive by any means, here's a ranking of the five most iconic songs by Penn alums:
5.) “Glory” by John Legend and Common
Enrolling at Penn at the age of 16 and graduating magna cum laude, John Legend was “legendary” before his budding musical talent bloomed into full–fledged stardom. Along with celebrated Chicago rapper Common, the singer brings life to “Glory,” the theme song from the critically acclaimed film Selma. His emotional delivery combines beautifully with the socially impactful message of racial equality, leaving you teary–eyed by the end.
4.) “And We Danced” by The Hooters
After meeting at Penn in the early 1970s, Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian formed The Hooters in the '80s and achieved mainstream success in the booming rock industry. Incorporating folk instrumentation, “And We Danced” is an archetypal dance ballad, subconsciously pulling one to the floor with a partner to tango the night away.
3.) “No Interruption” by Hoodie Allen
A Wharton 2010 graduate that quit a job at Google to pursue music, Hoodie Allen dominated the underground rap scene during the early 2010s with tracks like “No Interruption.” With slick wordplay in lines like “See me, you could be me but I end up on the A–list” and an infectious hook, Allen’s first single off his debut EP was a sign that he was destined for stardom. After nearly a decade, the track still sounds as if it came out yesterday.
2.) “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye
Although Terrell never graduated, she enrolled at Penn for a few years back in the 1960s, so we’ll count her for that with this famous collaboration with soul legend Marvin Gaye. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” exudes buoyant, infectious love that has you belting the chorus along with the artists within the first listen. A Motown classic, the record continues to be pop culture mainstay after over fifty years, being featured in films such as Remember the Titans and Guardians of the Galaxy.
1.) "All of Me" by John Legend
From the start, there was no question that this would be number one. “All of Me” is more than just an ode to Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen—it’s an anthem for couples everywhere, a personal tale of reciprocating unconditional love. The singer has a magical aura as he displays the octaves of his vocal range, accompanied by a mesmerizing piano melody. It’s a sonic masterpiece.
