DAISY ROCK GUITARS CONGRATULATES ENDORSEE WANDA JACKSON ON NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS 2005 HERITAGE FELLOWSHIP AWARD
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The “First Lady of Rock ‘N Roll” receives this country’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts.

WASHINGTON DC _ (June 15th, 2005) The National Endowment for the Arts ( www.arts.gov ) announced today that “First lady of Rock ‘N Roll” and Daisy Rock Girl Guitars endorsee Wanda Jackson is a 2005 recipient of the NEA National Heritage Fellowship, the country’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts.

Twelve fellowships, which include a one-time award of $20,000 each, are presented to honorees from eleven states. These awardees were chosen for their artistic excellence, cultural authenticity, and contributions to their field.

National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Dana Gioia said, “The NEA’s National Heritage Fellowships honor the individuals who preserve America’s folk and traditional arts. These masterful artists and the cultural legacies they embody are so often overlooked by mainstream media, that it is a special thrill to give them proper recognition.”

“Wanda has been a supporter of Daisy Rock from the beginning and is a role model for girls who have a desire to play music. I applaud the National Endowment for the Arts for recognizing this incredilble musician and woman.” Commented Tish Ciravolo, President of Daisy Rock Girl Guitars.

Wanda Jackson joins the ranks of previous Heritage Fellows, including bluesman B.B. King, Irish stepdancer Michael Flatley, cowboy poet Wally McRae and acclaimed performers Shirley Caesar, Doc Watson, and Bill Monroe.

The 2005 awardees will come to Washington D.C. in September for a series of events including an awards presentation on Capitol Hill and a concert at Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on Friday, September 23.