'Sloopy' as official Ohio rock song passes House

COLUMBUS — With the Ohio State University marching band providing the accompaniment, the Ohio House moved legislation today designating "Hang on Sloopy" as the state's official rock song.

House Bill 283 codifies what many residents thought was already the case, given an honorary resolution adopted by lawmakers nearly three decades ago honoring Sloopy.

HB 283 passed on a vote of 82-0 and heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Backers say it's an appropriate honor, given the songs Ohio roots - 'Sloopy' apparently was a woman from the Steubenville area, and the rock band — The McCoys — that made the song famous was from Dayton.

The song has also become an anthem for the Ohio State University football team.