New Book: The Wedding Music Canon. 1,875 Songs, 1950s-2010s.
Matthew Campbell is a seasoned wedding DJ and the founder of My Wedding Songs. With a passion for music and a career spanning hundreds of weddings, he has an insider’s perspective on what truly makes a wedding day special. Matthew’s curated playlists and expert insights are a trusted resource for couples seeking music that not only fits their personal style but also creates a timeless memory.
Brett Eldredge is one of the most distinctive voices in modern country music. Known for his smooth, baritone delivery and a style that often leans into the “crooner” aesthetic of Big Band legends, Eldredge crafts love songs that feel both timeless and contemporary. Whether you want a high-energy dance track or a deeply sentimental first…
2001 was a year that gave us some of the most heartfelt and enduring wedding songs of the new millennium. It was a year where pop stars like Enrique Iglesias and Westlife dominated the charts with declarations of devotion, and country artists like Brad Paisley began crafting the modern wedding standards we love today. As…
1997 was a year of incredible variety in wedding music. It was the year Tim McGraw and Faith Hill cemented their status as country’s royal couple, the Backstreet Boys became global icons, and Elton John touched the world with a tender piano ballad. As a wedding DJ, I find that 1997 tracks are essential for…
1996 was a banner year for love songs that pull at the heartstrings. It was the year Celine Dion and Whitney Houston provided us with vocal masterclasses that defined the “diva” era, while artists like Eric Clapton and Sheryl Crow brought a more laid-back, guitar-driven romance to the airwaves. As a wedding DJ, I find…
If you are planning an 80s-themed celebration, 1983 is arguably the best year of the decade to draw from. It was a year defined by massive chart-toppers that have since become “forever classics.” From the soulful duets of Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack to the anthemic rock of Journey, 1983 offers a perfect song for…
1973 was a landmark year for music that still fills wedding dance floors today. It was the year that R&B reached a new level of sophistication and a year that introduced us to the rhythms that would soon define the disco decade. As a wedding DJ, I find that 1973 tracks are perfect for creating…
The wedding prelude is the 20 to 30-minute window while your guests are arriving and finding their seats. It’s often the most overlooked musical moment of the day, but as a wedding DJ, I consider it one of the most important. The right prelude music calms the nerves of the bridal party and invites your…
The violin is perhaps the most emotive instrument in the world. Whether it’s the soaring melody of a classical masterpiece or a tender cover of a modern pop hit, violin music has the power to stop time. As a wedding DJ and ceremony researcher, I’ve seen how a single violin, or a string quartet, can…
Stevie Nicks is more than just a singer; she is a cultural icon whose “witchy” aesthetic and hauntingly sublime vocals have defined generations. Whether she’s fronting Fleetwood Mac or leading her solo career, Nicks specializes in songs that feel like ancient myths brought to life. For a wedding, her music offers a “boho-chic” vibe that…
If there is one song that defines the folk-era wedding ceremony, it is Paul Stookey’s “Wedding Song (There Is Love).” As the “Paul” in the legendary trio Peter, Paul and Mary, Stookey didn’t initially write this song for the charts—he wrote it as a gift. It has since become a timeless anthem for couples who…
Michael Bublé is the modern-day Frank Sinatra. A true “crooner,” he specializes in the kind of soft, sentimental music that melts hearts and fills dance floors. With 4 Grammy Awards and multiple #1 hits on the Adult Contemporary charts, Bublé has become a go-to artist for couples who want their wedding to feel both classic…
Martina McBride is a country-pop powerhouse with five #1 hits and a voice that can fill any room with pure emotion. Her music often celebrates the “beautiful gifts” of life – faith, family, and a love that stands strong through thick and thin. For a wedding, her catalog offers everything from ethereal processional music to…
John Mayer has been a staple of the wedding music scene since he first burst onto the charts in 2001. Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and his ability to pour his personal relationships into his lyrics, Mayer offers a unique catalog that spans blues, rock, and pop. Whether you’re looking for a tender acoustic…
Cody Johnson is the real deal. With a background in the rodeo and a voice that carries the weight of a life lived, he has quickly become a favorite for modern country weddings. His songs aren’t just about romance; they’re about the gratitude, resilience, and the “diamond in the rough” moments that make a relationship…
Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” is the undisputed champion of wedding ceremony music. Written in the late 17th century, its steady, building rhythm and repeating melody create a sense of anticipation and timelessness that no other song can quite match. As a wedding DJ and ceremony specialist, I know that “Canon in D” is the…
The 1990s were a decade of massive musical shifts, but one thing remained constant: the power of a great love song. From the rise of Grunge to the explosion of “Teen Pop” at the decade’s end, the 90s produced some of the most enduring wedding ballads of all time. These are the songs that defined…
The 1970s were a masterclass in the art of the love song. Whether it was the smooth, polished sounds of “Yacht Rock,” the deep grooves of Philadelphia Soul, or the poetic simplicity of the singer-songwriter movement, this decade produced music that still resonates at every wedding today. As a wedding DJ, I often turn to…
2006 was a year of musical evolution. It was the year Justin Timberlake “brought sexy back,” Shakira dominated the world with her global rhythms, and a small TV movie called High School Musical began a cultural phenomenon. For a wedding, 2006 offers some of the most reliable dance-floor fillers of the modern era. As a…
2002 was a year where the radio was dominated by catchy acoustic guitar riffs and smooth R&B grooves. It was the year we saw the rise of American Idol, the continued dominance of Nelly, and the release of several songs that have since become “staples” on every wedding DJ’s must-play list. As a wedding DJ,…
1994 was a phenomenal year for music that fits perfectly into a wedding timeline. It was the year that R&B “New Jack Swing” evolved into a smoother, more soulful sound, and alternative rock found its way into the mainstream through some of the decade’s most iconic movie soundtracks. As a wedding DJ, I look back…
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