Q. How do I cite a song in MLA?

Here is an example of how you would cite a song in MLA: Blue Man Group. How To Be a Megastar Live! Rhino Records, 2008. CD.

Here is another example: 

Gershwin, G. Gershwin Greatest Hits. Perf. Boston Pops Orchestra, Earl Wild, and 

      Peter Nero. Cond. Arthur Fiedler. Rec. 6 Sept. 2010. RCA, 2010. CD.

Here is an explanation of the parts:
 

Artists Involved: Blue Man Group. or Gershwin, G.

"In an entry for a commercially available recording, which person listed first such as the composer, ensemble, or performer depends on the desired emphasis (MLA, p. 195). This means you can choose if you wish to list the band name, lead performer, composer, etc. If it is a person's name, list the last name followed by the first initial of first name. End with a period.

Title & subtitle of the recording: How To Be a Megastar Live! or Gershwin Greatest Hits.

The title & subtitle are separated by a colon. Capitalize the first and last words of the title and subtitle, and all proper nouns and important words. Place article title & subtitle in Italics and end with a period. If there is final punctuation like an exclamation point or a question mark, this will replace the final period.

Performers: Perf. Boston Pops Orchestra, Earl Wild, and Peter Nero. Cond. Arthur Fiedler.
If listed, put Perf. and then give the names of the performers and end with a period.

Recording Date: 6 Sept. 2010.

If listed, give the date of the recording of the album. First put the day followed by the abbreviated month and then year. End with a period.

Publisher: Rhine Records or RCA

List the manufacturer or publisher of the sound recording. Place a comma after the publisher's name to separate it from the year of publication.

Year of publication: 2008 or 2010.

List the year of the publication of the recording. End with a period.

Medium of sound recording: CD

Give what format you used such as a CD, MP3, LP, etc.. End the citation with a period.

[The above information is based on p.195-96 of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th edition].

For more information on how to cite in MLA, visit our MLA LibGuide: http://libguides.css.edu/MLA7