HELENA – The state of Montana is one step closer to getting an official state rock n’ roll song.
That song, the “Hippy Hippy Shake”, was originally written and recorded by Billings native Robert “Chan” Romero in 1959.
It was then picked up by plenty of other recording artists, but most famously was recorded by The Beatles in 1963.
House Bill 392, which would designate the song as Montana’s official rock and roll song, passed out of committee on Wednesday.
Lon Faught brought in the original reel to reel demo recording of the song. His late father, Larry, operated Faught Recording Studio in Billings, where Romero first recorded the song.
Faught hopes the bill becomes a law as a way to honor his father’s legacy, and the history of the recording studio.
“It’s a piece of Montana history,” said Faught. “My dad is a Montana native. He grew up in Lodge Grass and then moved to Billings when he was 18 where he spent his entire life. We’re trying to carry on my dad’s legacy.”
Romero is still alive and lives in California now.
House Bill 392 will still need to pass the full House and Senate before the bill would make its way to the Governors desk.
— Story by Samantha Sullivan – MTN News
