'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' One Step From Being Official Oklahoma Gospel Song

"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" was written in Indian Territory in 1862 by Wallis Willis, a Choctaw Freedman. Governor Mary Fallin will decide if the well-known tune will become Oklahoma's official gospel song.

Friday, April 8th 2011, 11:07 am

By: News On 6

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is another step closer to becoming the official gospel song of the state of Oklahoma. Next stop is Governor Mary Fallin's desk, according to a release from the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 73, which would make the song official, passed 14-1 from the House Rules Committee. The bill was authored by state Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre and state Rep. Jabar Shumate.

"‘Swing Law, Sweet Chariot' is one of the most famous gospel songs not only in this country, but around the world, and it was written in Oklahoma," said Shumate, D-Tulsa. "Giving this song official recognition will help publicize the diversity of our state's roots and the contributions of African-Americans to Oklahoma."

"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" was written in Indian Territory in 1862 by Wallis Willis, a Choctaw Freedman.