Is it just me, or is Oklahoma just getting cooler and cooler?

First,Norman was rolled over by of Montreal and local favorite Starlight Mints. In July, Tulsa will host the blooming DFest, hosting bands like the Black Crowes and Gogol Bordello. Then, the Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??” is announced as the official rock song of Oklahoma.

And now this.

Another HOT Oklahoma Night exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center is dedicated to the history of rock ‘n’ roll in Oklahoma, from the rockabilly music of Wanda Jackson to the southern alternative of Kings of Leon and everything in between.

The artifacts on display are things of wonder: Hanson’s original instruments, a suit worn by Leon Russell, Wayne Coyne’s suit from “Christmas on Mars” and many others.

In addition to the phenomenal exhibit, the public also is able to get rock star makeovers, pose as a rock band with actual instruments and also hear the music of John Moreland and the Black Gold Band, Debris, the City Lives and many others. The event helped us remember not only where we have been, but also where we are going.

Oklahoma may be synonymous with country music, but to ignore our state’s storied rock history would be criminal, and I did not even know how deep it went until now. The influence of Oklahoma musicians has helped make rock ‘n’ roll what it is today, and they continue to shape and build as the years go by.

In the early days of rock music, the rockabilly style of Wanda Jackson and the Collins Kids helped inspire The Beatles; Paul McCartney played an Eddie Cochran song when trying out for the band.

The “Tulsa Sound,” fashioned by J.J. Cale and Leon Russell in the 60s, helped shape the music of bands as diverse as Eric Clapton, Lynryd Skynyrd and Deep Purple.

Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa is one of the foremost concert venues in the U.S. – they even hosted the Sex Pistols in one of their only shows in America. Cain’s continues to showcase bands from all over, and was featured in a recent concert documentary on Wilco.

Oklahoma didn’t rest in the 80s and 90s, like the rest of rock ‘n’ roll did. The Flaming Lips, one of the most influential bands from our state, began their psychedelic trip in the 80s and Wayne Coyne worked at an Oklahoma City Long John Silver’s until the band was signed in the early 90s. The exhibit even features the uniform he wore while he was employed at the fast food chain.

Norman’s own glam-rock band Chainsaw Kittens were hugely popular in the early 90s and even reunited for the first annual Norman Music Festival.

Everyone’s childhood favorite band, Hanson, had everyone hooked with their pop music and single “Mmmbop” that showcased a serious talent for catchy hooks and impeccable melodies.

Oklahoma even continues to have an influence today. Many people are unaware of the Oklahoma ties of the alternative arena-rock band Kings of Leon. There is an obvious Southern twinge to their music, but Nathan and Matthew Followill were both born in Oklahoma City. The boys of Kings of Leon also are OU football enthusiasts, and were known to tailgate before games if they had the chance.

Stillwater’s All-American Rejects are one of the biggest names in alternative today and Shawnee’s Shiny Toy Guns have also found success in that genre.

And the future of rock music in Oklahoma continues to look bright. The buzz around local bands the Uglysuit, Stardeath and White Dwarfs and Evangelicals has been building and building as they look to breakthrough to national acclaim. We can be assured that the future of Oklahoma rock ‘n’ roll has been left in capable hands.

So maybe Oklahoma has been cool all along. It might have taken me a little time to realize it, but with all the strides we are making, I am sure not to forget any time soon.

-Joshua Boydston is a University College freshman.