Celebration To Honor Oklahoma Music Legends

Before there was Garth and Reba and even Toby, Oklahoma had its share of music royalty.

Having recorded rock and roll, country, and gospel music, Wanda Jackson is one of the biggest names in music.

“I just didn’t have that much confidence in myself, I was always having to be pushed and prodded along, try it, come on you can do it,” said Jackson.

She got her start on KLPR Oklahoma radio and television while still in high school.

She would earn the nickname the queen of Rockabilly.

“The very first tour that I did, happened to be with Elvis Pressly,” said Jackson.

The two would become extremely close, with Elvis having a tremendous influence on her music.

“And I said, well Elvis, I can’t sing like you, I’m a girl, and he said no you can do it if you try,” said Jackson.

Jackson spent over seven decades in music, and she’s been inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“We wanted to get a historical marker to signify that this is where the birthplace of where so much of this music from Oklahoma came from,” said District two Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan.

Maughan is the newly selected president of the Oklahoma City County historical society, and wanted to make sure the accomplishments of Jackson and so many others get recognized.

“We also have a legend in Norma Jean, being one of the first Grand Ole Opry female members,” said Maughan. “Gayla Peevey who has one of the biggest Christmas tunes of all time, and then Tommy Collins who is in the National Songwriters Hall of Fame.”

All four Oklahoma music legends will be honored by America’s got talent winner Darci Lynne, Grammy award winners Pam Tillis and Jeanie Seely, and Leona Williams.

“We see Branson, and Austin, and Nashville all making a big deal out of our Oklahoma stars, and we ought to have pride in them and celebrate them here in our state,” said Maughan.

The celebration is Tuesday, August 15 at the Tale theater at 227 Southwest 25th Street. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.theyaleokc.com/upcoming-events.