Wanda Jackson Adds Chapter to ‘Fairytale Life’

The ‘Queen of Rockabilly’ Wanda Jackson was honored in Oklahoma City yesterday as Mayor Mick Cornett and the Oklahoma City Council officially turned a previously unnamed alleyway into Wanda Jackson Way.

“I’m not worthy of all the acclaims and accolades, but I’m very grateful for them. 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.” - Wanda Jackson

Wanda Jackson Way (map) is located on the other side of the canal from Flaming Lips Alley, north and parallel with E. Reno Avenue, extending from S. Oklahoma Avenue to S. Mickey Mantle Drive.

“I’ll just say follow Mickey Mantle; he’ll take you right to me. He was a country music fan, you know. He used to come out … when I had my band and we worked dances around the country.” - Wanda Jackson

Jackson joins other Oklahoma musicians, Vince Gill, Charlie Christian and the Flaming Lips, with streets bearing their name in Bricktown.
In addition to yesterday’s ceremony, Jackson (backed by ACM@UCO students) performed some of her hit songs “Let’s Have A Party”, “Right or Wrong” and “Mean Mean Man”.