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How to Cite a Song or Music in Chicago (17th edition)

Learn how to cite a song or music recording in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Chicago Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Chicago format for citing a song or music in your bibliography:

Artist Last Name, First Name. "Title of Song." Track # on Album Title. Record Label, Year.

Chicago In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Artist Year)

Narrative

Artist (Year) describes...

Key Chicago Formatting Rules

  • Put the song title in quotation marks.
  • Italicize the album title.
  • Include track number, record label, and year.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your song or music.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.

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Cite a Song or Music in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in Chicago

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