Concert review: Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame induction

The Broken Arrow native returned to her home state for her induction Thursday into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. And for the crowd of more than 2,000 music lovers who attended the hall’s Annual Induction Ceremony and Concert, the Country Music Association’s loss was certainly their gain.

As the headliner of the hall’s 2011 class, the Emmy- and Tony-winning singer/actress capped the more than three-hour celebration with an eclectic set of Broadway show tunes, pop standards and contemporary country songs. It was an especially fitting finale considering the diversity of the honorees, whose musical styles range from American Indian fusion to contemporary jazz to surf rock.

“People ask me what the best moment in my career has been so far all the time ... and this is something I’ve always wanted since I was a little girl because music is an extension of me. I love it so much. And it is my honor and pleasure to be here and be a part of this prestigious club,” Chenoweth said after a video tribute from fellow Oklahoma Music Hall of Famer and singer/actor Sam Harris, who told her, “You are singular.”

Chenoweth, 43, opened her set belting the show tune “Should I Be Sweet?” from her 2001 debut album “Let Yourself Go,” and the diminutive blonde’s huge voice and oversized personality immediately seemed almost too big for the Muskogee Civic Center. She was unfazed by the occasional spates of microphone feedback, sometimes even using them as an excuse to show off her witty sense of humor.

“It is so nice to be here. Don’t worry if you don’t like opera, it’s almost over,” she quipped, switching from musical theater to contemporary country with “What Would Dolly Do,” a feisty tribute to Dolly Parton she co-wrote for her 2011 debut country album “Some Lessons Learned.”

The night was a mixture of sweet and bittersweet. The hall of fame inducted Thursday eight new members, including four posthumous honorees.

Along with Chenoweth, the class of 2011 includes basketball great and popular jazz bassist the late Wayman Tisdale and Rock; Roll Hall of Famers Nokie Edwards and the late Bob Bogle, both members of surf-rock pioneers The Ventures; and Gene Triplett, longtime entertainment editor of The Oklahoman.

The class of 2011 also features the late guitarist/keyboard player Jesse Ed Davis, who performed with Leon Russell, George Harrison and John Lennon; the late composer, lyricist and performer Ralph Blane, who wrote the holiday classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and the Oscar-nominated “The Trolley Song” from the musical “Meet Me in St. Louis”; and Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Rising Star Award recipient Cheevers Toppah, a Kiowa/Navajo singer and Grammy nominee.

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