Lafarge, McPherson record Oklahoma benefit single

The effort resulted from the deadly tornados that hit Oklahoma in May.

McPherson says, "This charity does the best work possible by contributing to dozens of local Oklahoma charities directly related to tornado damage relief: rebuilding, clean up, food and water disbursement, pet recovery...you name it. This fund applies to possible future tornadoes, as well as what we're dealing with now." Rolling Stone premiered the track today.

"Pokey and I had been speaking in the days following the May 19th tornadoes about the possibility of recording a benefit song," McPherson said."He came up with the brilliant idea to record Bob Wills' Good Old Oklahoma as a duet. Pokey is from Missouri, but each time he plays in my home state, his band performs that tune and brings the house down. It was a perfect fit."

LaFarge and his band were slated to record a Daytrotter session a few days after the tornado devastated the region and made the impromptu decision to record the track during the session.

"I don't consider myself to be versatile enough a singer to hold a candle to Tommy Duncan's original vocal, but Pokey's sublime, informed performance on the second verse and harmony make the track for me," he said. "Though I'm not built (unfortunately) to sing Oklahoma jazz, I hope that what comes through the speakers is an audible love letter to my beloved home state."

Lafarge said, "It's with great pleasure that I get to work with one of Oklahoma's finest, JD McPherson. To be able to record this Bob Wills tune is all too fitting for a good cause. We hope this helps. We love Oklahoma."

The single is available for purchase from www.jdmcpherson.com and www.pokeylafarge.net.