The only US state whose official state song was a #1 hit on the Billboard charts is the state of Oklahoma, with its state song “Oklahoma!”.

“Oklahoma!” was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for their 1943 musical of the same name. The musical was a smash hit, running for over 2,000 performances on Broadway and spawning numerous touring productions and revivals over the years.

The song “Oklahoma!” quickly became an iconic piece of American music, with its rousing chorus and upbeat tempo capturing the spirit of the American West and the pioneering spirit of the people who settled there. The song was an instant success, and quickly became one of the most beloved and recognizable songs in American history.

In 1953, the state of Oklahoma officially adopted “Oklahoma!” as its state song, recognizing the song’s important role in capturing the essence of the state and its people. The decision to adopt the song as the state song was a popular one, and helped to cement the song’s place in American culture.

One of the reasons why “Oklahoma!” has remained such a popular and enduring song over the years is its ability to capture the spirit of the American West and the pioneering spirit of the people who settled there. The song’s lyrics celebrate the beauty and grandeur of the Oklahoma landscape, while also paying tribute to the resilience and determination of the people who call the state home.

The song’s opening lines, “Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain, and the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet when the wind comes right behind the rain,” are instantly recognizable to anyone who has spent time in the state, and evoke the vast expanse of the Oklahoma prairie and the power of the natural elements that shape the landscape.

In addition to its lyrical content, “Oklahoma!” is also known for its memorable melody and catchy chorus. The song’s rousing chorus, “Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain, and the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet when the wind comes right behind the rain,” is one of the most memorable in American music, and has become a symbol of the state’s unique cultural identity.

Despite its popularity, “Oklahoma!” has also been the subject of controversy over the years. Some critics have argued that the song reinforces outdated stereotypes of the American West and perpetuates a mythic vision of the region that is not grounded in reality. Others have argued that the song’s celebration of Oklahoma’s pioneering spirit ignores the struggles and injustices faced by many of the state’s residents over the years, particularly its Native American populations.

Despite these criticisms, however, “Oklahoma!” remains an important and beloved piece of American music, and its place as the official state song of Oklahoma is a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

The musical “Oklahoma!” was groundbreaking in many ways, and helped to usher in a new era of American musical theater. The show was one of the first to integrate songs and dance into the narrative of the story, and to use music to advance the plot and develop the characters. This approach was a departure from the traditional “book musicals” of the time, which consisted of a series of unrelated songs and sketches strung together by a loose plot.

“Oklahoma!” was also notable for its use of vernacular language and regional accents, which helped to create a sense of authenticity and realism in the show. The characters in the show spoke and sang in a style that was unique to the American West, and helped to establish the region as a distinct cultural identity in American popular culture.

The success of “Oklahoma!” helped to pave the way for a new generation of American musicals, and inspired countless other composers and lyricists to explore the possibilities of integrating music and storytelling in new and innovative ways. The show was also adapted into a highly successful 1955 film, which helped to bring the story and music of “Oklahoma!” to an even wider audience.

In the years since its debut, “Oklahoma!” has remained a beloved and influential musical, inspiring countless revivals, adaptations, and tributes. The show’s impact on American culture and music is undeniable, and its place as the official state song of Oklahoma is a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

In addition to “Oklahoma!”, there are many other state songs that have become iconic pieces of American music, and that hold a special place in the hearts of their respective states. Some of the most famous state songs include “Georgia On My Mind” (the official state song of Georgia), “Sweet Home Alabama” (the official state song of Alabama), and “My Old Kentucky Home” (the official state song of Kentucky).

These songs, like “Oklahoma!”, capture the spirit and essence of their respective states, and help to create a sense of identity and community among the people who call those states home. They are a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and unique history of each state, and serve as a source of pride and inspiration for generations of Americans.

In conclusion, “Oklahoma!” is the only US state song to have reached #1 on the Billboard charts, and it remains a beloved and iconic piece of American music. The song’s ability to capture the spirit of the American West and the pioneering spirit of the people who settled there has made it a symbol of Oklahoma’s unique cultural identity, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its cultural significance. While there may be controversy surrounding the song’s portrayal of the American West, there is no denying the impact that “Oklahoma!” has had on American music and culture, and its place as the official state song of Oklahoma is a fitting tribute to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.