Oklahoma’s musical legacy rocks

Oklahoma’s musical legacy rocks

The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — Earlier this month, I had the honor of taking part in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony. The event, which was in Muskogee, reminded me once again of the incredible musical legacy that so many Oklahomans have left to the world.

This year’s inductees were Carrie Underwood, Grammy-winning recording artist and former “American Idol” winner; Rocky Frisco, who played keyboards for J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton, among other musical greats; and Western swing yodeler Ramona Reed, who started singing on McAlester radio at age 15 and went on to tour and record with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

I also had the privilege of presenting the Governor’s Award to C.H. Parker, a longtime music instructor and director at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. For years, he coordinated NSU’s summer country music program. In addition, he has produced the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Concert & Induction ceremony every year since its inception in 1997.

From the earliest days of statehood, Oklahomans have made invaluable contributions to the field of music. Charlie Christian, who got his start playing clubs in Oklahoma City’s Deep Deuce neighborhood, revolutionized the use of the guitar in jazz and influenced generations of guitarists in blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Okemah native Woody Guthrie was a pioneering folk singer-songwriter whose Depression-era songs chronicled the challenges of his fellow Oklahomans and all Americans. His work would inspire many later artists, including Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Bob Dylan.

In more recent years, Oklahoma can boast of being home to an array of music. Underwood, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton dominate the nation’s country music scene. Stillwater’s All-American Rejects and Oklahoma City’s Flaming Lips continue to create fun and inventive rock. Symphony orchestras in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Bartlesville, Enid and Lawton consistently offer timeless classical music for appreciative audiences.

Every day, in classrooms, studios and garages across the state, aspiring musicians are honing their skills and practicing their craft. Oklahoma’s history boasts a remarkable well of musical talent, a tradition that appears to be alive and well.



GOV. BRAD HENRY may be reached via his Web site at www.governor.ok.gov.