Introduced Version
House Concurrent Resolution 40 History
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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 40
(By Delegates Gearheart, Arvon, Moore, Staggers,
Ambler, Cooper, Sponaugle, Barrett, Hamrick,
Overington and Ellington)
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.
Whereas, West Virginia currently has three official state songs
as designated by House Concurrent Resolution No. 19, adopted
February 28, 1963, including "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
U.S. Hot Billboard Hot 100 chart; and
Whereas, "Take Me Home Country Roads" has remained a popular
and often repeated song for the last 40 years with words and a tune
well known nationwide and easily sung by most West Virginians
living both in and out of our state; and
Whereas, "Take Me Home Country Roads" is performed regularly at
most important events within our state, including the memorial service for Senator Robert C. Byrd, the dedication ceremony of
Mountaineer Field, and the pre-game and post-game ceremonies at
athletic events at West Virginia University; and
Whereas, The lyrics 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 has been an international hit, even being one
of the most popular tunes played at Munich's Oktoberfest; and
Whereas, It has even appeared in award winning films such as
the Japanese hit "Whispers in the Heart"; and
Whereas, It has given positive images of West Virginia to an
audience that would never otherwise have been found; therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That "Take Me Home Country Roads" as 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.
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