Wanda Jackson Day" declared by OKC mayor Mick Cornett

"Wanda Jackson Day" declared by OKC mayor Mick Cornett

By George Lang - Assistant Entertainment Editor
Published: March 24, 2009Buzz up!

Oklahoma City officially said “Let’s Have a Party” in honor of a rockabilly pioneer as Mayor Mick Cornett declared today “Wanda Jackson Day” at this morning’s city council meeting.


Singer and entertainer Wanda Jackson addresses lawmakers on the floor
of the Senate at the state Capitol in this Feb. 10 photo by Jim Beckel.

“For a long, long time, this woman has put a powerful voice in the world of country and rock music, and she has represented Oklahoma City every single day,” Cornett said prior to the reading of the proclamation. “And we are so proud that she has chosen to make Oklahoma City her home and proudly tells people wherever she goes where she’s from.”

Jackson, 71, who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio on April 4, was born in Maud and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City. After making an early mark as a country performer on KOPR-AM in Oklahoma City and touring with Hank Thompson and the Brazos Valley Boys, she was encouraged to sing rockabilly by touring partner Elvis Presley, whom she briefly dated.

Her string of rockabilly hits included “Fujiyama Mama,” “Mean Mean Man,” “Right or Wrong” and “Let’s Have a Party.” Jackson later returned to country music and found success as a gospel performer, and in 2003 she made a rock ’n’ roll comeback with “Heart Trouble,” featuring duets with Elvis Costello, Rosie Flores and the Cramps.

Jackson, who attended the city council meeting with her husband and manager Wendell Goodman, is working on songs for a new album. She said she will perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, but has not been told who will induct her.

“I don’t know that,” Jackson said. “I’m just planning on not fainting — I’m going to hold on to somebody.”

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Mayor Mick Cornett, left, reads a proclamation with Wanda Jackson and her husband, Wendell Goodman, as the mayor proclaims March 24 Wanda Jackson Day. Photo By PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND, The Oklahoman