House Concurrent Resolution 1047, by Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, and Sen. John Ford, R-Bartlesville, directs the Oklahoma Historical Society to host a Web site and have polling locations to allow the public to nominate songs. The Web site can be accessed at www.tulsaworld.com/staterocksong.

The song must be written or performed by an Oklahoman to be eligible, according to the Web site.

The resolution notes that Oklahoma has "many exceptional rock-and-roll performers and song writers and no official Rock and Roll Song has been adopted."

Nominations so far include "Oklahoma Swing" by Reba McIntire and Vince Gill, "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" by the Gap Band, "Oklahoma Nights" by Jimmy Webb, and "Nev er Been to Spain" by Three Dog Night.

"It helps promote the history and influence of music in Oklahoma," Ford said.

Ford said there is a high level of interest among the public regarding the selection of an official rock song.

The Oklahoma History Center will celebrate the state's rock 'n' roll heritage in an exhibit called "Another Hot Oklahoma Night," set to open in 2009.

"The suggestions have already been rolling in, with people wanting to nominate songs by Oklahoma artists including The Flaming Lips, Hoyt Axton and Leon Russell," Dorman said. "There are a lot of great tunes from Oklahoma and about Oklahoma. This gives us a great opportunity to showcase those artists and let the public help us celebrate our rock and roll heritage."

Barbara Hoberock (405) 528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com

What happens

Now: Nominations for official state rock ’n’ roll song can be made online at www.tulsaworld. com/staterocksong. Song must be written or performed by an Oklahoman.

August: A panel of experts will pick 10 songs from the nominations.

Sept. 1 to Nov. 15: The public will vote on the official song.

Next year: Song presented to the Legislature for consideration.