Introduced Version
House Concurrent Resolution 43 History
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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 43
(By Delegates Gearheart, Householder, Ellington, Howell,
Espinosa, Staggers, Overington, Manypenny, Sumner,
Moore and Paxton)
Designating "Take Me Home, Country Roads" written by John Denver,
Taffy Nivert, and Bill Danoff and initially recorded by John
Denver, an official state song of West Virginia.
Whereas, There are currently three official West Virginia state
songs, designated by House Concurrent Resolution No. 19, adopted
February 28, 1963: "This is My West Virginia," "The West Virginia
Hills," and "West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home;" and
Whereas, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" has a pleasing and
memorable tune and the lyrics are an apt poetic description of our
landscape and heritage; and
Whereas, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" was written in 1970 and
released in 1971, was included on John Denver's breakout album
"Poems, Prayers and Promises", and reached #2 as a single on the
Unites States Billboard "Hot 100" chart; and
Whereas, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" has remained a popular
and oft-repeated song for the last forty years with words and a
tune well known nationwide and easily sung by most West Virginians
living both in and out of the state; and
Whereas, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is performed regularly
at most important events within the state, such as the memorial service for Senator Robert C. Byrd, the dedication ceremony of
Mountaineer Field, and the pregame and post game ceremonies at
athletic events at West Virginia University; and
Whereas, The lyrics to "Take Me Home, Country Roads" are often
quoted by popular celebrities and political figures, such as former
Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, when referring to
our state; and
Whereas, The song has been covered by artists from Ray Charles
to Olivia Newton-John to the Hermes House Band to the Black Tartan
Clan; and
Whereas, The song is an international hit, evidenced by its
status as one of the most popular tunes played at Munich's
Octoberfest; and
Whereas, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is featured in award-
winning films, such as the Japanese hit "Whispers in the Heart";
and
Whereas, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" fosters a positive image
of West Virginia to a national and international audience;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That "Take Me Home, Country Roads," written by John Denver,
Taffy Nivert and Bill Canoff be designated an official state song;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Governor of the
State of West Virginia.
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