Orrin Hatch: Soundtrack artist?
Don't laugh. "America Rocks," a song that was co-written by the veteran Utah politician, is featured in the new comedy "Rat Race," which opens in theaters nationwide today.
According to Hatch, the song was a last-minute addition to the film, after producer/director Jerry Zucker met with him to work out the particulars. (It can be overheard in a scene near the end of the movie, as the characters nearly meet their goal of finding $2 million.)
"He asked me if I minded if they used the song. And who am I to turn something like that down?" Hatch, R-Utah, said in a telephone interview while he was vacationing in Utah this week.
(Hatch also noted that he hasn't seen the film yet, but he hears it's "tremendously funny," though it may be "a little irreverent and raunchy.")
The song, performed by the Hatch-Perry Band, is also on the soundtrack album for the movie as an unlisted "mystery track." (Hatch said he's been told that subsequent pressings will list "America Rocks" as its 11th track.)
Hatch has been writing lyrics for songs composed by Utahn Janice Kapp Perry, who co-wrote "America Rocks." The two have collaborated on five albums of patriotic, inspirational and Christmas songs.
This is not Hatch's first entry into the Hollywood scene. In addition to his less-than-minute-long appearance in the Oscar-nominated war-on-drugs thriller "Traffic," the upcoming theatrical film "Joshua" will include "Everyday Heroes" — to possibly be performed by country duo Brooks and Dunn.
"Evidently, they heard the song and loved it," Hatch said. "That's very flattering, coming from people that talented."
As for "America Rocks," though Hatch said he is excited that the song is getting exposure in a major-studio film, he is pushing for it to be included in ceremonies for the 2002 Utah Winter Games.
"Can you imagine how amazing it would be to hear 2,000 or 3,000 kids singing that song in the Delta Center?" he asked.
He quickly added that, for now at least, he is content to be a politician. "My job is to be a U.S. senator, representing my state as best I can. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy some of my other passions in my time off."
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com