Smithsonian Channel

Last week an exciting (and some would say very much overdue) thing happened in the world of music- Wanda Jackson, who is 70 years young and still going strong, was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This is a lady who defies description. She’s been called the Queen of Rockabilly, the first lady to sing rock and roll and an inspiration by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Elvis Costello. In fact, Elvis Costello made a very public proclamation a few years back when he said in a letter to the Hall of Fame, that Jackson’s absence “risks ridicule and having the appearance of being a little boy’s club.”

Jackson first recorded as a country artist in 1954 but she started singing rock ‘n’ roll in 1956 when one of her buddies from the tour, Elvis Presley, suggested she give it a try. Beginning with her 1958 hit, “Fujiyama Mama,” Jackson scored a series of rockabilly and country hits, including “Let’s Have a Party,” “Right or Wrong” and “In the Middle of a Heartache.”

Here at Smithsonian Channel we feel like she’s part of the family since we have an entire film about her life called The Sweet Lady with the Nasty Voice. That film was shown earlier this year at the SXSW film festival where Jackson put on a live concert at a nearby venue. A few members of our team (unfortunately not me) were lucky enough to see her show and raved about what an amazing performer she still is today.

The other finalists for induction into the Hall of Fame include Jeff Beck, Chico, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Metallica, Run-D.M.C., the Stooges, War and Bobby Womack. The final ballots will be sent to more than 500 voters, who will choose five of the nine nominees as the 2009 inductees. The final five will be announced in January. The 24th annual induction ceremony will take place April 4 in Cleveland.

Good Luck Wanda, everyone here at Smithsonian Channel is rooting for you.