Wanda Jackson gets her own Way

(July 21, 2009) - Oklahoma City Council today voted unanimously to name a Bricktown alley after the Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, for her lifetime musical achievements.

The alley is located north and parallel with East Reno Avenue and extends from South Oklahoma Avenue to South Mickey Mantle Drive.

The internationally acclaimed musician and longtime Oklahoma City resident was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.  Mayor Mick Cornett proclaimed March 24, 2009 Wanda Jackson Day in Oklahoma City.

Jackson was America’s first major female country and rockabilly singer.  When she began touring as a teenager in 1955 she was placed on the bill with rising star Elvis Presley.

A few of Jackson’s hits include, “You Can’t Have my Love,” “Fujiyama Mama” and “Let’s Have a Party.”

Jackson was born in Maud, Oklahoma in 1937.  Her family moved to California during the depression in 1941 and returned to Oklahoma City when Jackson was 12.   While attending Capitol Hill High School she 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.

Jackson continues to tour world wide, singing country, rockabilly and gospel.   She has been nominated for two Grammys, and in 2008 was the subject of a documentary, “The Sweet Lady with the Nasty Voice.”

Wanda Jackson Way is located 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 streets named after them in Bricktown.