Vote planned to make 'Sloopy' Ohio's rock song

5/7/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS — Cue the marching band. The Ohio House is scheduled to vote on a proposal to make “Hang On Sloopy” the state’s official rock song.

The 1960s hit has been a crowd favorite for decades at Ohio State University games. The university’s marching band first performed it in 1965. The tune also is played at some pro sports events around the state.

The legislature recognized “Sloopy” as the state’s official rock song in 1985, though the honor apparently was not permanent.

Rep. Michael Stinziano of Columbus is among the backers of the bill to enshrine the tune in law as Ohio’s rock song. His father was one of the sponsors behind the original resolution that recognized “Sloopy.”

Should the bill pass today, it would go to the state Senate for consideration.