Oklahoma's music heritage comes out in song selection

March 05, 2009 01:23 am

— Who knew that Oklahoma had such a rich rock and roll heritage. The legislature's action this week naming an official Oklahoma Rock Song reminds us that there is a lot of talent out there. Judges and the public vote sanctioned "Do You Realize??" by the Flaming Lips.
The song designation is more than two years in the making. It came about during a planning meeting between the Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. "I don't think any of us involved anticipated just how tough this choice was going to be for both our panel of judges and the voting public. Each of our 10 finalists has had a huge impact on rock and roll," said Jill Simpson of Norman, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. "It's a testament to the depth of musical talent coming out of Oklahoma."
The finalists were "Let's Have a Party," by Wanda Jackson (1958); "Do You Realize??," by the Flaming Lips (2002); "Walk Don't Run," by The Ventures (1960); "Endless Oklahoma Sky," by John Moreland and the Black Gold Band (2008); "Home Sweet Oklahoma," by Leon Russell (1971); "Move Along," by the All-American Rejects (2005); "Never Been to Spain," written by Hoyt Axton (1971); "Oklahoma," by The Call (1986); "Heartbreak Hotel," written by Mae Boren Axton (1956); and "After Midnight," by J.J. Cale (1965).
The selection of the Official Oklahoma Rock Song is part of a greater effort of the Oklahoma Historical Society to celebrate the state's rock and roll heritage with an exhibit titled "Another Hot Oklahoma Night," scheduled to open May 2 at the Oklahoma History Center.

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