Fallin marks 60th anniversary of “Oklahoma!” cast album’s historic gold album award

Gov. Mary Fallin, left, receives a commemorative plaque from Cara Duckworth, vice president of communications for the Recording Industry Association of America, during a ceremony Monday at the Oklahoma History Center marking the 60th anniversary of the "Oklahoma!" film soundtrack receiving the very first gold album in music history.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Mary Fallin on Monday issued a state proclamation celebrating an Oklahoma-inspired musical treasure and its major milestone in music history: the 60th anniversary of the first Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)-certified gold album.

The RIAA, the organization which administers the Gold and Platinum Awards Program recognizing excellence in music, is celebrating the “Oklahoma!” film soundtrack (Capitol Records) receiving its very first gold album award on July 8, 1958.

The cast album to the film soundtrack of “Oklahoma!” is based on the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. It featured tracks sung by Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones and other cast members.

Since then, more than 17,000 separate albums, songs and other musical titles have achieved RIAA certification. However, the cast album to the film “Oklahoma!” is etched in recording music history for being the first-ever gold album.

The RIAA presented Fallin with a commemorative plaque honoring the iconic album and its place in music history in front of an exhibit on the “Oklahoma!” musical, which is scheduled to open Friday, July 13, at the Oklahoma History Museum.

“The historical and cultural significance of the film soundtrack to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Oklahoma!’ cannot be overstated, especially to our great state,” said Fallin. “The music is embedded into our state’s DNA, and gave us our wonderful state anthem.”

Fallin issued a proclamation dedicating this week to the 60th anniversary of the “Oklahoma!” film soundtrack receiving the very first gold album in music history.

“The beating heart of the film is its incredible soundtrack,” Fallin said. “The fact that ‘Oklahoma!’ is the first gold album in music history says something about the broader impact this timeless music has had on past generations, and will continue to have on future generations of fans – not just here in Oklahoma, but across the world. I’m proud to dedicate this week to the 60th anniversary of the ‘Oklahoma!’ film soundtrack as the very first gold album in music history.”

Cary Sherman, RIAA chairman and chief executive officer, said “The cast album to the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Oklahoma!’ is a timeless classic that has earned its indelible mark in music history as the first RIAA certified gold album. From beloved tunes like ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ and ‘The Surrey With the Fringe On Top’ to the rousing ‘Oklahoma!’ finale, this was the soundtrack that started it all. On the 60th anniversary of its gold album award, we are thrilled that Gov. Mary Fallin has recognized the impact this iconic music has had on the great state of Oklahoma and on generations of music fans who fell in love with the story of Curly and Laurey. We thank Gov. Fallin for this proclamation honoring this historic album and anniversary.”