Beautiful Nebraska
“Beautiful Nebraska”, Nebraska’s state song, was written in the 1960’s, when Nebraska Legislature considered choosing a state song for the celebration of Nebraska’s one hundred years of statehood. Around the same time, in 1960, a Russian immigrant named Jim Fras, who was a citizen of Lincoln at that point, found inspiration when he went out driving in the countryside not too far his home.
A musician in both soul and calling, Fras heard the melody of the song forming itself as he immersed himself in nature; he had stopped his car near a farmer’s field and, surrounded by tall grass, some trees and a great blue sky, he was touched by what was beautiful about Nebraska. With the ditty in mind, he hurried back to his piano in his home, polishing the melody and jotting it down before sharing it with one of his friends – Guy G. Miller, who also lived in Lincoln, Nebraska and who was very much interested in poetry. Eventually, the two collaborated in writing the lyrics to the song, naming it “Beautiful Nebraska”.
Fras had been determined to have “Beautiful Nebraska” become Nebraska’s state song; so powerful was his dream that he lobbied for it with much passion and determination. Then in 1967, the same year of the Nebraskan centennial of statehood, “Beautiful Nebraska” beat out the multitude of other proposals for state songs. Four Senators – Richard Marvel, Eric Rasmussen, Harold Simpson and Jerome Warner – proposed LB 535, which essentially makes “Beautiful Nebraska” the state song; the bill was passed with almost overwhelming approval, and on the twenty-first of June 1967, Governor Norbert Tiemann signed it into law.
The song has since become a classic; its simple melody is very easy to remember and sing, making it accessible to a lot of people. Nebraskans love “Beautiful Nebraska” for its simple and charming appreciation for what is naturally and inherently good in their state. Up until today, many locals sing the song without needing to be in a state function or holiday.
In 1965, before it became the state song, Jim Fras spoke fondly of his composition “Beautiful Nebraska”. “It’s a one-time inspiration,” he says. “It just came to me. I could write another Nebraska song, but it wouldn’t be as good as this one. No one asked or ordered me to write it. I just wanted to pay tribute to my adopted state.”
Jim Fras and his “Beautiful Nebraska” co-creator Guy G. Miller have both passed away, but have left behind a wonderful legacy for generations following theirs.
