The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the Merle Haggard Statue Committee have unveiled plans for a bronze statue honoring the life and music of Merle Haggard.

Haggard was inducted in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 1997, the organization's inaugural year.

The statue will be located at the venue where Haggard recorded the famous "Okie from Muskogee" song at a live concert in the Muskogee Civic Center.

The new statue will serve as a photo opportunity for visitors who travel to Muskogee.

“It is undeniable that to this day, over fifty years after the release of the record, people around the world still know Muskogee because of that song," said Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sue Harris.

Tourists from all across the nation travel to Muskogee thanks to the best-selling song, "Okie from Muskogee."

“Recently we had a couple walk in the Hall of Fame for a visit that came by while traveling specifically because of Merle Haggard and the 'Okie from Muskogee' song," said Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Executive Director Tony Corbell. "The husband said this was one of the main stops they wanted to make as they traversed the country sightseeing before heading west and finally going back home to Sydney, Australia. They really enjoyed their day with us seeing Merle Haggard memorabilia inside our museum.”

The OMHOF and Merle Haggard Statue Committee is seeking professional artists that will be selected for the opportunity to create the bronze artwork.

Artists are encouraged to propose their unique perspectives on what would best honor Haggard, compliment the site, while being mindful of context, safety, and durability.

For more details on the request for proposal, click here or contact Corbell at 918-685-1701.