This spring, SOUNDTRACK: A NOVEL, the award-winning original audiobook from #1 New York Times bestselling author and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds, was published in hardcover and print. This raw, resonant, coming-of-age story, written with Jason Reynolds’ signature rhythm, heart, and honesty, celebrates New York City of the early-2000s, and a group of teens whose talent and love of music lift them to unexpected heights. “SOUNDTRACK: A NOVEL is a gift to teens, musicians, and readers who love New York. It’s about creating art, being seen, building community. Once again, Jason Reynolds delivers a novel that celebrates young people and their passions,” said publisher Phoebe Yeh.
With the NY Knicks in the NBA Finals for the first time since the turn of the century, and the music of the city reaching a crescendo that only New Yorkers can reach, we thought we’d check in with Jason about the New York music he loves most — below, he’s shared his Top 5 songs about New York:
N.Y. State of Mind by Nas: Before I ever visited New York, I heard this song, and it helped me imagine the city as a montage of wheatpasted advertisements edited by spray-painted tags bearing the names of kids we’d never know but deserved to be known. It lit a flame in my brain.
On Broadway by George Benson: This was my father’s version of N.Y. State of Mind, and it did the same thing for me, but instead of the images of wheatpasted signs, it gave me billboards, flashing lights, and taxis. Even the music sounds like music to strut to. And though that strut is down a dicey street, there are dreams in the distance.
New York is Killing Me by Gil Scott Heron: I know. It’s kind of a downer, but this is a brilliant song because it gets into the reality of New York, which is, it’s the most incredible place in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. As a matter of fact, by no means is it easy. And this song gets at the sharper teeth of the city.
Down and Out In New York City by James Brown: This is another one of those songs my father played when I was a kid. Something about James wailing, “Here’s a dime, boy, gimme a shine boy!” that reminds me of the hustle of New York. The way power works, the way money moves, and how at any given moment, it might be your turn to take a swing at success.
New York, New York by Frank Sinatra: Because…I had to. It’s obligatory. It’s what rings off in your ear the first time you walk up Madison Ave during Christmas. Or that first stroll in spring. Or that first warm night after dinner, when a walk is necessary to remind you that life is good and full of possibility.
at any given moment, it might be your turn to take a swing at success.
Thank you, Jason!
JASON REYNOLDS is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books for children and young adults. A 2024 MacArthur Fellow, Jason is best known for his novels All American Boys (co-written with Brendan Kiely), the Track series, and Long Way Down, which received Newbery, Printz, and Coretta Scott King honors. Among his many accolades, Jason was named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress for 2020 to 2022. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Late Night with Seth Meyers, CBS This Morning, and Good Morning America. Jason lives in Washington, DC. You can find his ramblings at JasonWritesBooks.com.