State Senate to Announce Official State Rock Song

The Oklahoma State Senate will announce the new official state rock song on Monday, March 2, 2009, at 3 p.m. in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol.

During the 2008 session, the Legislature approved House Concurrent Resolution 1047 which designated the song selection process.

The 10 finalists included:

“Heartbreak Hotel,” co-written by 'Oklahoma' school teacher Mae Boren Axton and recorded by Elvis Presley

“Let’s Have a Party,” recorded by Wanda Jackson

“Walk, Don’t Run,” recorded by the Ventures

“After Midnight,” written and recorded by 'Oklahoman' J.J. Cale and re-released by Eric Clapton

“Never Been to Spain,” by 'Oklahoma' Hoyt Axton and made famous by Three Dog Night

“Home Sweet Oklahoma,” written and recorded by Leon Russell

“Oklahoma,” by the Call

“Do You Realize??” by the 'Oklahoma' Flaming Lips

“Move Along,” by the 'Oklahoma' All-American Rejects

“Endless Oklahoma Sky,” by John Moreland and the Black Gold Band.

The people of Oklahoma nominated 454 songs, and an expert panel narrowed that list to 10. More than 21,000 then voted on line for their choice for official rock song.

The winning artist(s) will be recognized in the Senate when the resolution announcing the official rock song is read and approved.