A severe storm cloud looms over a rural landscape, with the text "Songs About Oklahoma" highlighting classic Okie songs and the "Your Music Depot" logo in the upper right corner.

First Posted August 7, 2025 | Last Updated on August 10, 2025 by Ryan Conlon

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Oklahoma has a rich musical history. It includes country, folk, and rock. Many songs capture its spirit, landscapes, and people.

Classic songs like Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee” and Bob Wills’ “Take Me Back to Tulsa” are famous.

The Rodgers & Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!” also has a song about the state. These songs talk about Oklahoma’s spirit, values, and beauty.

They mention places like Muskogee, Tulsa, and the Oklahoma hills. These songs are a big part of Oklahoma’s culture. Oklahoma songwriters keep drawing from its history and legacy.

The Rich Musical Heritage of Oklahoma Territory

Oklahoma’s music is a mix of many cultures. It includes Native American rhythms and Dust Bowl ballads. These traditions come together to make Oklahoma’s music special.

Native American Musical Influences

The music of Oklahoma’s Native American tribes is very important. Songs like “Cherokee Maiden” by Bob Wills show this. They use drums and flutes in their music.

Early Settlement Songs and Ballads

Pioneers brought folk music to Oklahoma. Songs like “The Cherokee Strip” tell stories of adventure. They show the hard work and spirit of the early settlers.

The Dust Bowl Era’s Impact on Folk Music

The Dust Bowl of the 1930s changed Oklahoma’s music. Woody Guthrie’s “Dust Pneumonia Blues” is an example. These songs tell of struggle and hope.

Influential Oklahoma Folk SongsArtist
“Cherokee Maiden”Bob Wills
“Dust Pneumonia Blues”Woody Guthrie
“The Cherokee Strip”Unknown
“Indian Reservation”Paul Revere & The Raiders

Oklahoma’s music comes from many cultures. It includes Native American music and Dust Bowl ballads. These mix together to make Oklahoma’s unique sound.

Songs About Oklahoma: Defining State Anthems

Oklahoma has a rich musical history. It has many songs that feel like state anthems. “Oklahoma Hills” by Jack Guthrie is one of them. It was named the state’s folk song in 2001.

“Oklahoma” from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical is another big hit. It’s a love song to Oklahoma’s beauty and values.

Recently, more songs have become key Oklahoma state songs and Okie anthems. The Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??” was almost the state rock song. But it didn’t get the final okay.

Country stars like Merle Haggard and Blake Shelton have also made music for Oklahoma. Their songs, like “Okie from Muskogee” and “God’s Country,” show Oklahoma pride.

These songs celebrate Oklahoma’s unique spirit. They talk about special places and the state’s strong people. They inspire and bring Oklahomans together, both at home and elsewhere.

“Oklahoma Hills” by Jack Guthrie was designated as the official state folk song in 2001, cementing its status as a defining Okie anthem.

Legendary Oklahoma Musicians and Their State Tributes

Oklahoma has a rich musical history. Many legendary musicians have written songs about their home. Woody Guthrie is one of them. His songs like “Oklahoma Hills” and “This Land Is Your Land” show his love for Oklahoma.

Woody Guthrie’s Oklahoma Legacy

Guthrie’s songs are like anthems for Oklahoma. They show the state’s spirit and strength. His music has inspired many Oklahoma musicians.

Every year, the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah celebrates his legacy.

The Red Dirt Music Movement

The Red Dirt music scene started in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Artists like Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland often talk about Oklahoma in their songs. They helped create the unique sound of Red Dirt music.

Contemporary Oklahoma Artists

Today, Oklahoma musicians still celebrate their state in their songs. Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire have songs like “The Thunder Rolls,” “Blown Away,” and “Oklahoma Breakdown.” These songs honor their Oklahoma roots.

These artists carry on the musical legacy of Oklahoma. Their music is loved by people all over the country.

 

“Oklahoma has produced some of the most iconic and influential musicians in American history, from Woody Guthrie to Garth Brooks. Their songs about Oklahoma have become an integral part of the state’s cultural identity.”

Tulsa Sound and Its Musical Impact

The Tulsa Sound is a mix of rock, blues, and country. It was started by JJ Cale and Leon Russell. This sound is known for its easy vibe and special guitar sounds.

Songs like “After Midnight” by Cale show what the Tulsa Sound is all about. It’s a unique sound that stands out.

Many artists have been influenced by the Tulsa Sound. Eric Clapton and Tom Petty are just a few. Today, artists like John Moreland and John Fullbright keep the Tulsa Sound alive.

Tulsa’s music scene was special from the 1950s to the 1970s. It mixed blues, country, R&B, folk, gospel, western swing, and jazz. This mix created a sound that was truly Oklahoman but loved by people everywhere.

“The Tulsa Sound has been a significant influence on the development of modern blues and rock-and-roll music.”

The Tulsa Sound’s legacy keeps inspiring new music. Artists today honor the work of JJ Cale and Leon Russell. The Tulsa Sound shows how local music can touch hearts all over the world.

Rural Life and Small Town Stories in Song

Oklahoma’s music comes from its rural areas and small towns. Many songs about Oklahoma show life in the heartland. They talk about farming and the local culture.

Songs of the Heartland

Hal Ketchum’s “Small Town Saturday Night” and Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee” show life in Oklahoma’s towns. These songs talk about simple joys and community. They connect with those who know the state’s heartland.

Agricultural Themes in Oklahoma Music

Agriculture is key to Oklahoma’s identity in songs. Songs like Leadbelly’s “Cotton Fields” and Greg Jacobs’ “Farmer’s Luck” honor farmers and ranchers. They share the ups and downs of farm life.

Local Landmarks in Lyrics

  • The Red River
  • Lake Eufaula
  • Route 66

Oklahoma’s natural beauty and landmarks are in many songs. These songs use local places to show the state’s unique charm. They celebrate its rural beauty and culture.

Song TitleArtistYear ReleasedNotable Lyrics
“Small Town Saturday Night”Hal Ketchum1991“Well, it’s a small town Saturday night
With the neon signs a-shinin’ bright
And the people all gather ’round
To see what’s goin’ down.”
“Okie from Muskogee”Merle Haggard1969“We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee
We don’t take our trips on LSD
We don’t burn our draft cards down on Main Street
We like livin’ right, and bein’ free.”
“Cotton Fields”Leadbelly1940“When I was a little bitty baby,
My mama would rock me in the cradle
In them old cotton fields back home.”

 

“The songs of Oklahoma capture the essence of life in the heartland, celebrating the state’s rural heritage, agricultural roots, and the unique character of its small towns and natural landscapes.”

Oklahoma’s Country Music Revolution

Oklahoma has been key in country music’s growth. It has given us stars like Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks. Their music has changed country music forever.

Garth Brooks, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a big name in country music. His songs like “Friends in Low Places” are loved by many. Brooks mixed old country with new sounds, making Oklahoma famous for music.

Reba McEntire, also from Oklahoma, is a legend. Her voice and songs like “Fancy” have won many fans. She is one of the best country singers ever.

Oklahoma’s music goes beyond just these stars. The state’s music comes from Native American traditions and the Dust Bowl. It tells stories of Oklahoma’s beauty and hard life.

Oklahoma’s music has changed country music a lot. It has made Oklahoma important in American music. The state keeps inspiring new musicians, making its mark last forever.

Folk Traditions and Modern Interpretations

Oklahoma’s folk music traditions still inspire today’s artists. They take old songs and make them new again. Woody Guthrie, from Okemah, is a big influence on these artists.

John Moreland and Parker Millsap mix Guthrie’s style with today’s sounds. They blend old and new in their music. This shows how Oklahoma’s music lives on.

Moreland’s “Hang Me in the Tulsa County Stars” is a great example. It mixes Oklahoma’s folk with today’s music. This mix can be heard in many genres, from country to indie rock.

These artists keep Oklahoma’s music alive for today’s listeners. They honor the past while making it new. This way, Oklahoma’s music connects people across time through songs.

A Route 66 Oklahoma road sign featuring the words "Songs About Oklahoma," a nod to Sooner state anthems, with a "Your Music Depot" logo at the bottom.

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