Sour Note

No anthem for Chicago

Does Chicago need an official song? Former Alderman Louis Farina has long thought so. Embarrassed by the peppy, toe-tapping rhythms of Chicago and My Kind of Town at official ceremonies, Farina pushed for and got a city-sponsored contest to pick a more dignified ditty. Jane Byrne, then Chicago mayor, offered $5,000 from her campaign funds as a prize.

Last week the committee picked Song of Chicago Alive by Guitarist Jeff Jacobs, 30, as the best of the 2,017 entries. Jacobs called the tune "simple, adaptable." New Chicago Mayor Harold Washington rejected it, calling it slow and none too spunky. Now Jacobs is not getting the prize money, and the weary committee must reopen the competition. Said Essee Kupcinet, head of the committee: "I can't face listening to another song." Washington said he prefers a lyric filled with the names of famous Chicagoans. Right on, mayor. For starters:

Second City, natural home of one-term Jane and Al Capone Donahue (Phil) and Banks (Ernie) Clarence Darrow, big attorney Mayor Daley, William Paley The Trib's McCormick, Ebony's Johnson Kup and Hef and Gloria Swanson City that works! No social strife! And at least one man who danced with his wife. This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so viewer discretion is required.