Photo gallery: Wanda Jackson Way dedication
Wanda Jackson smiles and waves to crowd during outdoor ceremony Wednesday afternoon honoring the rockabilly legend and Oklahoma City resident with the official naming of a Bricktown alley Wanda Jackson Way. Holding the new sign are Mayor Mick Cornett, right, and Council members Skip Kelly, left, and Pete White. (Photos by Jim Beckel/ The Oklahoman)
Jim Beckel, one of the skilled photographers at The Oklahoman, was on hand Wednesday to cover the dedication of Wanda Jackson Way in Bricktown. As you can see, Jim took several great shots of the event.
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett hugs Wanda Jackson during the ceremony.
The Queen of Rockabilly speaks during the dedication. “I’m not worthy of all the acclaims and accolades, but I’m very grateful for them,” Jackson said during the ceremony. “I’ve lived like a fairytale life. Every year of my life has truly been wonderful and exciting. I feel like Cinderella still, but … 2009 has really been memorable for me.”
Jackson performs with a band from the nearby Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma.
She proved she still has her distinctive powerhouse voice, belting out her hits “Mean Mean Man,” “Right or Wrong” and “Let’s Have a Party.” After covering Jackson for a couple of years now, hearing her perform live was a real thrill for me.
After the ceremony and performance, Jackson signed autographs and posed for photos for several fans. (Among those who waited in line to get their picture taken with the singing legend were Derek and Raechel Brown of local band Crocodile.)
-BAM
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It’s wonderful to see Wanda get recognition. Great photos. We are proud to have her as an inductee of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame®. “Keep on rockin’, gal!”- Bob