Wanda Jackson officially gets her way
Wanda Jackson (Photo by Paul B. Southerland/The Oklahoman Archives)
Oklahoma City Council today voted unanimously to name a Bricktown alley after Oklahoma Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson for her lifetime musical achievements.
The alley is north and parallel with East Reno Avenue and extends from South Oklahoma Avenue to South Mickey Mantle Drive. It is near Flaming Lips Alley, named after the Oklahoma-based alternative rock band, The Flaming Lips. Country singer Vince Gill and jazz musician Charlie Christian also have roads named after them in Bricktown.
The internationally acclaimed musician and longtime Oklahoma City resident was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4. Mayor Mick Cornett proclaimed March 24, 2009 Wanda Jackson Day in Oklahoma City.
Jackson was born in Maud in 1937. Her family moved to California for a few years as her parents looked for job opportunities. They returned to Oklahoma when Jackson was still a girl and settled in Oklahoma City.
While attending Capitol Hill High School, Jackson won a local talent competition and was offered a 15-minute daily show on radio station KLPR. Country singer Hank Thompson heard her perform and encouraged her to record with the Brazos Valley Boys. “You Can’t Have My Love” became a national hit in 1954, when Jackson was just 17 years old.
She first recorded rock ‘n’ roll (then known as rockabilly) in 1956 at the urging of up-and-comer Elvis Presley, whom she toured with and briefly dated. She is widely considered the first woman to sing rock ‘n’ roll.
Jackson continues to tour worldwide, singing country, rockabilly and gospel. She has been nominated for two Grammys, and in 2007 was the subject of a documentary, “The Sweet Lady with the Nasty Voice.”
I spoke with Jackson today about the naming of an alley for her; read Wednesday what the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer had to say about this latest honor.
- BAM
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