Wanda Jackson | Artist
Wanda LaVonne Jackson is an American singer and songwriter born 1937 in Maud, Oklahoma. Since the 1950s, she has recorded and released music spanning the genres of rockabilly, rock'n'roll, country and gospel music. She was among the first women to have a career in rock and roll, recording a series of 1950s singles that helped give her the nickname "The Queen of Rockabilly". She is also counted among the first female stars in the genre of country music. Jackson sang with a passion, fire, and spirit that set her apart from most female vocalists of the day, and tunes like "Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad," "Fujiyama Mama," and "Let's Have a Party" showed she was as forceful as any of rock & roll's male stars. Jackson began performing as a child and later had her own radio show in Oklahoma City. She was then discovered by country singer Hank Thompson, who helped her secure a recording contract with Decca Records in 1954. Following her first hit single, the country song "You Can't Have my Love", she began touring with Elvis Presley. The two briefly dated and Presley encouraged her to record in the Rockabilly style. In 1956, Jackson then signed with Capitol records and was given the freedom to record both country and Rockabilly. The label released a string of Jackson's rock singles, including "Fujiyama Mama", "Mean Mean Man" and the top 40 hit "Let's Have a Party". In the 1960s, Jackson moved back to the country genre and had several charting singles during the decade. After re-discovering Christianity in 1971, Jackson made gospel music a priority in her career and over the next two decades released a series of gospel discs. After many years of performing her established repertoire in the USA and Europe, 2003 saw the release of a new studio album, Heart Trouble, with Jackson joined in the studio by illustrious fans including Elvis Costello, Dave Alvin, and The Cramps. 2006's I Remember Elvis album found her interpreting a set of songs made famous by her old friend, as well as sharing her memories of him. Jackson has over 40 studio albums to her credit as well as Live albums, EP's and over 80 Singles. Standout albums include Wanda Jackson (1958), Rockin' With Wanda (1960), There's a Party Goin' On (1961), Two Sides of Wanda (1964), Blues in my Heart (1965) and the excellent compilation Queen of Rockabilly: The Very Best of the Rock 'n' Roll Years (2000). In rock music circles, several artists have named Jackson an artistic influence. Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello paid tribute to Jackson in her 2008 documentary 'The Sweet Lady With the Nasty Voice' centered on her life and career. Cyndi Lauper also cited Jackson as one of the earliest influences on her career. In 2009, Wanda Jackson was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame under the category "Early Influence" and was presented with the induction by Rosanne Cash.
Artist Website: wandajacksonmusic.com
Featured Albums: Wanda Jackson
Related Artists: The Party Timers
