Missouri by Kenny Ray Horton icon

MISSOURI STATE SYMBOLS

 

STATE PROMOTIONAL SONG

 

"Missouri" by Kenny Ray Horton

 

Not to be confused with the state song, Missouri’s state promotional song became an official state symbol in 2026.

Two years in a row (2025 and 2026), Sen. Jill Carter proposed bills attempting to get “Missouri” by Kenny Ray Horton adopted as the official state promotional song. Both times, the bills failed to pass. However, Sen. Nicholas Schroer added identical language to SS#2 SCS HS HB2576 (a combined state holiday, symbol, road and bridge names bill) that was adopted in 2026 by the 103rd General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Kenny Ray Horton (1971-) is from Rocky Comfort, McDonald County, Missouri. He joined the U.S. Navy bluegrass band Country Current around 2001 and played with them for about 20 years until he retired as a Musician 1st Class. It was during his time with Country Current that he wrote “Missouri.” Horton registered “Missouri” with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and according to his PR firm continues to collect royalties on the song.

On May 28, 2026, Sen. Mike Moon submitted a formal constitutional objection to HB2576, primarily aimed at the fact that the bill started as one single memorial designation and expanded to include state holidays, state symbols, and additional bridge and road designations. He also pointed out that the substance of the bill, “raises legitimate constitutional concerns regarding the expenditure of taxpayer funds for honorary recognitions that may primarily benefit private individuals, families, or organizations rather than serving a sufficiently defined governmental purpose.” The lyrics and music to “Missouri” will not be shared on this public website because they are subject to royalties.

 

Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo)

§10.265. Song “Missouri” official state promotional song. – The song “Missouri”, written by Musician 1st Class Kenny Ray Horton, is selected for, and shall be known as, the official state promotional song for the state of Missouri. (L. 2026 H.B. 2576)

approved 13 July 2026
effective 28 August 2026

 

Additional Resources:

“Constitutional Objection – SS#2 SCS HS HB 2576,” Journal of the Senate: One Hundred Third General Assembly of the State of Missouri Second Regular Session, pp. 1904-1905.

Official music video of “Missouri” by U.S. Navy band Country Current feat. Kenny Ray Horton as lead guitar and vocals. Produced by Defense Media Activity, Ft. Meade, MD. 05 February 2013.

U.S. Department of War. “Face of Defense: Horton Hears the Blues.” 01 February 2019.

 

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