Oklahoma Rock Song Finalists Named

Oklahoma History Center
2401 N. Laird Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

&

Oklahoma Film & Music Office
120 N. Robinson, Suite 600
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

September 2, 2008 – For Immediate Release

Contact: Oklahoma Historical Society: Jeff Moore (405) 522-0798 – Oklahoma Film and Music Office: Jill Simpson (405) 233-8440

OKLAHOMA ROCK SONG FINALISTS NAMED

The Official Rock Song Advisory Panel, created to select the ten finalists for the Official Rock n Roll Song of Oklahoma, has announced their decision. The final songs represent a wide range of artists from various decades.

The Official Oklahoma Rock Song Advisory Panel, established by resolution during the past legislative session, was appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, the Senate Pro Tempore, the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Film & Music Office.

The panel includes Phil Bacharach, Oklahoma City; Ronnie Kaye, Oklahoma City; Lacey Lett, Oklahoma City; Steve Ripley, Tulsa/Pawnee; Ryan LaCroix, Norman; Dr. Hugh Foley, Stillwater; and Angie Devore-Green, Tulsa.

The ten finalist songs are now listed on the web site: www.oklahomarocksong.org. Votes for the song to be named the Official Oklahoma Rock Song will be taken through November 15, 2008 on this site.

The winning song will be announced during the next legislative session. Initial voting for the songs began in April with nominations being made on a special internet site. A total of 458 songs received 2,498 nominations on the web site.

The Oklahoma History Center will celebrate the state’s rock and roll heritage with an exhibit entitled “Another Hot Oklahoma Night,” slated to open May 2, 2009.

The History Center is actively collecting stories and artifacts related to rock and roll in Oklahoma. For more information, please contact the museum staff at (405) 522-0798.

Don't forget to check out www.anotherhotoklahomanight.org to find out about Another Hot Oklahoma Night, the upcoming rock & roll exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center.
Nominations are as follows:

All-American Rejects - Move Along
Formed in 2001, the All-American Rejects released "Move Along" in 2006, from their 2005 album of the same name. The song hit number one on the Digital Download Chart. The band is composed of Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler from Stillwater and Mike Kennerty and Chris Gaylor from Edmond.

The Call - Oklahoma
In 1986, The Call, which included two Oklahomans, Michael Been and Scott Musick, released the critically acclaimed album, Reconciled. The song "Oklahoma" conjured images of their home state,s tent revivals and turbulent weather. Later, presidential hopeful Al Gore used The Call's "Let the Day Begin" as his campaign anthem.

The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize?
In 2002, the Flaming Lips released "Do You Realize" on their album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, to overwhelming critical success. The avant-garde band has had more than three decades of musical achievement, providing one of Oklahoma's most successful bands having won three Grammys. The Lips continue to add to their diverse and die-hard fan base.

JJ Cale - After Midnight
In 1965, J. J. Cale recorded "After Midnight," which Eric Clapton rereleased in 1970. In 1971, J. J. Cale released another version on his album, Naturally. Clapton recorded many of Cale's songs, including "Cocaine." Other artists have also tapped into Cale's writing ability. These include Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Band, Deep Purple, and Tom Petty.

John Moreland & the Black Gold Band - Endless Oklahoma Sky
John Moreland and the Black Gold Band represent a popular, Oklahoma indie band that has produced a song that reflects the melodic scenes of the Sooner State. "Endless Oklahoma Sky" captures a positive feeling of Oklahoma's present beauty, culture, and music.

Leon Russell - Home Sweet Oklahoma
In 1971, Leon Russell reigned as one of Rock and Roll's biggest stars. That year he released "Home Sweet Oklahoma'" paying homage to his native state. The song shows Russell,s devotion to Oklahoma, as he made the Tulsa area his base of operations. Leon brought in stars such as George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Tom Petty to record at his Church Studios.

Elvis Presley - Heartbreak Hotel
In 1956, Oklahoma schoolteacher Mae Boren Axton co-wrote Elvis Presley's hit song "Heartbreak Hotel." An iconic song in Rock and Roll's history, "Heartbreak Hotel" sat atop the pop charts for eight weeks. Axton, sister of U. S. Congressman Lyle Boren, continued to write songs until her death on April 9, 1997.

Three Dog Night - Never Been to Spain
In 1971, Three Dog Night released "Never Been to Spain," written by Oklahoman Hoyt Axton. The song skyrocketed to number five on the charts. Axton, son of songwriter Mae Boren Axton, collaborated several times with this band. Hoyt Axton died on October 26, 1999.

The Ventures - Walk, Don't Run
In 1960, the Ventures' version of "Walk, Don't Run" climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Oklahoman Bob Bogle suggested the band cover the song. The Ventures also included Oklahoman Nokie Edwards and promoted Oklahoma guitar-maker Semie Mosely's Mosrite guitars.

Wanda Jackson - Let's Have a Party
In 1958, Wanda Jackson recorded "Let's Have a Party" which Capitol Records rereleased in 1960 to chart success. Backed by one of Rock and Roll's first integrated bands, the Poe Cats with fellow Oklahoman Big Al Downing on piano, Jackson became the "Queen of Rockabilly."

Side note: As of 3:00 p.m. on September 4, there were over 4,500 votes!
And more than 8,000 visits to the site. . .
OKLAHOMA ROCKS!