Tulsa World: Top 10 for state rock song announced

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Top 10 for state rock song announced

J.J. Cale performs at the Cain's Ballroom on July 5, 2004. Michael Wyke/Tulsa World

By World Capitol Bureau
Published: 9/2/2008 1:44 PM
Last Modified: 9/2/2008 1:53 PM

Cast your vote at tulsaworld.com/okierocksongvote.

Representing a wide range of artists from various decades, the 10 finalists to become the official rock 'n roll song of Oklahoma were announced Tuesday afternoon by the state's Rock Song Advistory Panel.

The panel, established by resolution during the past legislative session, was appointed by the governor, speaker of the House, the Senate president pro tem, 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 10 finalists for the Official Oklahoma Rock Song are:

"After Midnight" - J. J. Cale

In 1965, J.J. Cale recorded "After Midnight," which Eric Clapton re-released in 1970. 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.

"Heartbreak Hotel" - Mae Boren Axton

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.

"Oklahoma" - The Call

In 1986, The Call, which included two Oklahomans, Michael Been and Scott Musick, released the critically acclaimed album, Reconciled. The album's graphics featured historical photographs from Oklahoma and the song "Oklahoma" conjured images of their home state's tent revivals and turbulent weather.

"Never Been to Spain" - Hoyt Axton

In 1971, Three Dog Night released "Never Been to Spain," written by Oklahoman Hoyt Axton. Axton, son of songwriter Mae Boren Axton, collaborated several times with this band. He died on Oct. 26, 1999.

"Move Along" - All-American Rejects

Formed in 2001, the All-American Rejects released "Move Along" in 2006, from their 2005 album of the same name. The song hit No.1 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.

"Home Sweet Oklahoma" - Leon Russell

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.

"Endless Oklahoma Sky" - John Moreland and the Black Gold Band

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.

"Walk Don't Run" - The Ventures

In 1960, the Ventures' version of "Walk Don't Run" climbed to No. 2 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.

"Do you Realize?" - Flaming Lips

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.

"Let's Have a Party" - Wanda Jackson

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."

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.

By World Capitol Bureau

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	Report Comment TheFoundOgle, Mid-town (9/2/2008 2:14:02 PM) John Moreland and the BGB, "Endless Oklahoma Skies", sends chills up and down my spine. These guys are fantastic, and they get my vote over the Lips.
	Report Comment Boomer, B-A (9/2/2008 2:29:24 PM) "Home Sweet Oklahoma" - Leon Russell Best, by far!
	Report Comment Bluebird48, Sand Springs (9/2/2008 2:33:20 PM) "Never Been to Spain" - Hoyt Axton Growing up in Chicago...we sang that song on Road Trips never set foot in OKLAHOMA. But when we moved closer to it's state border on way to football games or whatever. The 8 track tape, cassette, cd, and now ipod...always goes in...and WE sing it to this day!!!
	Report Comment bdoug, Tulsa (9/2/2008 2:35:52 PM) Do You Realize - Flaming Lips! That's the one!!!
	Report Comment Boomer, B-A (9/2/2008 2:36:07 PM) But.... the OKC folks won't like it because it is about Tulsa.
	Report Comment Lawrence, Tulsa (9/2/2008 2:41:20 PM) Never Been to Spain and Home Sweet Oklahoma
	Report Comment Lawrence, Tulsa (9/2/2008 2:42:19 PM) I also like After Midnight and Heartbreak Hotel
	Report Comment Tulsa World Music Reporter Jennifer Chancellor, Tulsa (9/2/2008 2:54:10 PM) I'm still for the song "Linda Cavanaugh" by Mike Hosty Duo! ;-)
	Report Comment Tulsa World Sports Copy Editor Sarah Hart, Tulsa (9/2/2008 3:10:24 PM) Jen, I like that, but Home Sweet Oklahoma gets me weepy every time. Long Live Leon.
	Report Comment anm1135, (9/2/2008 3:18:37 PM) "Linda" is good, but what about Oklahoma Breakdown?!? Hosty rocks!
	Report Comment Paula, Midtown (9/2/2008 3:19:47 PM) Well I never been to Spain But I been to Oklahoma Well they say that I was born there But I really can't remembah
	Report Comment Tulsa World Sports Copy Editor Sarah Hart, Tulsa (9/2/2008 3:20:08 PM) Hosty posted a blog today on MySpace saying Fraidy Hole and Oklahoma Breakdown were in the running earlier. I've been watching Hosty since 1993 in the Quah (when they were a trio) and they're about as Oklahoma as it gets!
	Report Comment spasticnapjerk, Tulsa (9/2/2008 3:37:36 PM) The Hosty Duo rocks indeed. I remember Hosty when he played Burnin' Love on Campus Corner. At least that's what I remember from 1987 or so. A few brain cells have died since then!
	Report Comment Jeff Shaw, (9/2/2008 3:47:48 PM) Why in the world is our government wasting time on this kind of "stuff" (for lack of a more appropriate word)? I know they have more important work to do. I'm just sayin' It's fun and all, but let a radio station do this type of gimmicky promotion.
	Report Comment rockymarlow, Tulsa (9/2/2008 3:59:51 PM) Boys from Oklahoma - Gene Collier/Cross Canadian Ragweed but seriously, I would go with The Hosty Duo - The General Part 1 & 2 for maximum effect.
	Report Comment florence, tulsa (9/2/2008 5:18:56 PM) Depends on when, where you hear the tune, generation, lots of variables. Short version: lots of great tunes by some really talented people. Frankly there's about five that I wouldn't mind seeing number one. Jeff Shaw!! You ain't got no soul. Rock n' Roll lives. Where's my old friend Rock'n John when we need him....I'd love to know his vote.
	Report Comment Tim Denver, Denver (9/2/2008 5:53:12 PM) I still think Green Day's American Idiot dedicated to Sally Kern...
	Report Comment soonerguy, Tulsa (9/2/2008 7:24:24 PM) Too hard to choose. Many greats on that list. I would have to probably go with Home Sweet Oklahoma. It actually expresses love for the state (as opposed to the artist/writer just being from the state) and Leon is an Oklahoma CLASSIC. Though like someone mentioned it wouldn't be a state wide choice.
	Report Comment Lawrence, Tulsa (9/2/2008 7:50:58 PM) I voted for Leon Russell's song Home Sweet Oklahoma.
	Report Comment XDSSS, Tulsa (9/2/2008 7:51:36 PM) Do You Realize
	Report Comment Bullhead, Stilwell (9/2/2008 10:17:42 PM) LEON! He's a homeboy singing an Oklahoma song. Can't get any better'n dat. I'm rollin' with Leon.
	Report Comment baldryan, Norman (9/3/2008 3:19:42 PM) Because "You Dropped A Bomb On Me" is appropriate for Oklahoma.

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