OKC PHIL Retrospective

By Mark Beutler, OKCPHIL Director of Marketing & Public Relations

One of Oklahoma native Jimmy Webb’s earliest successes was writing “Up, Up, and Away” for the 5th Dimension’s 1967 debut album. He produced albums for the Supremes and Cher, and penned several chart-topping songs for Glen Campbell, including “Wichita Lineman, “Galveston” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.”

Vince Gill, also prolific in singing, songwriting and a fellow Oklahoman, hit the scene in 1979 as part of Pure Prairie League. He sang background vocals for Rosanne Cash and Pam Tillis, and became one of the top-selling artists of the ‘90s and 2000’s, with hits “When I Call Your Name,” “I Still Believe in You,” and “Oklahoma Swing.”

But when these two legendary composers were approached about writing a new state song for the state’s Centennial, there was a bit of hesitation.

“We did the ‘Oklahoma Rising’ concert at Civic Center in 2006, a year before the actual 2007 Centennial Celebration,” said Joel Levine, Oklahoma City Philharmonic Founder and Music Director Emeritus. “Vince Gill told the audience the story of legendary producer Lee Allan Smith calling to propose the collaboration with Jimmy for a possible new state song. Vince was concerned they were being asked to replace our Rodgers & Hammerstein iconic masterpiece! But Jimmy persuaded Vince to participate by saying Lee Allan really just wanted a celebratory song about our state, and that was their real mission.”

Then on November 21, 2007, the OKCPHIL took center stage at the Centennial Celebration, at what is now the Paycom Center arena.

“There were so many moving parts,” Levine said. “I had to interface with guest artists and learn their music. Some brought a rhythm section, and I worked with them to coordinate tempos. There were TV people for the OETA broadcast and an everevolving script with cues to be followed. The OKCPHIL musicians were troupers, dealing with an unusual setup, stage lights in their eyes, microphones, monitors and all the challenges of a high-tech event. Ultimately our role was to make world-class music happen, suiting the needs of several of America’s finest artists.”

“Oklahoma Rising” made its world debut that night, and became part of Oklahoma’s history.

“I am so blessed to have been part of many of Oklahoma’s historic events,” Levine said. “The invited audience started with the Governor and included virtually everyone in a leadership role in the city and state. To watch the video playback now and see who was there—it is truly astounding. My conducting colleagues were always envious of the opportunities I had to work with famous artists at the top of their field. Of course, the ‘cherry on top’ was leading our fantastic orchestra.”

The OKCPHIL gratefully acknowledges the generosity of individuals who have chosen to return concert tickets as a donation. This recognition reflects contributions made in the 2022-2023 concert season and are listed through December 31, 2022.

John and Nancy Alsup

Dr. and Mrs. Dewayne Andrews

Dr. and Mrs. John C. Andrus

Mr. J. Edward Barth

Mrs. Betty D. Bellis-Mankin

Martha and Ronnie Bradshaw

Steven Brown

Ms. Jeannene Campbell

Ken Coffey

Dr. Thomas Coniglione

Mrs. Teresa Cooper

William and Mary Ann Corum

Rita Crockett

Lawrence H. and Ronna C. Davis

Vickie Dennis

Nancy P. Ellis

Dr. and Mrs. Royice B. Everett

Arnold and Mari Fagin

John Fink

Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Floyd

Natalie Kurkjian and Christopher Geyer

Mr. Gregory Gray

Janet Gruel

Mr. and Mrs. James G. Harlow, Jr.

Brent Hart and Matt Thomas

Mr. and Mrs. Frank D. Hill

The Honorable Jerome A. Holmes

Sue Ann and Dudley Hyde

Gerald and Jane Jayroe Gamble

Christina Jefferson

Linda Knox

Mr. Forrest Lacy

Elizabeth McGuiness

John and Anna McMillin

Abigail J. Moore

Charles L. Oppenheim

Tiffany and Corey Phelps

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pickard

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Rasmussen

Valerie Reimers

Ms. Ruthie Riggs

Dr. Linda Rowland Woody, Ph. D.

Dr. Carl Rubenstein

Dr. Lois Salmeron

Melissa and Todd Scaramucci

Pam and Bill Shdeed

Jerrod and Jamie Shouse

Dr. Richard V. Smith and Jan J. Smith

Dennis and Marianne Stover

Carol Troy

Stephen Wanger

Phillip and Ashton Whaley

Mr. Philip Winters

Ms. Marcia E. Woodward

Jim and Polly Worthington