Wanda Jackson

Wanda Jackson

Wanda Jackson, born Wanda Lavonne Jackson in Maud, United States, is an American singer associated with rock and roll, rockabilly, country and gospel. She is also known as the “Female Elvis” and as the “Queen” or “First Lady” of Rockabilly. She forms the group Wanda Jackson & The Party Timers.

Early career and style

Jackson makes her debut recordings at the age of nineteen. While still in high school, she is heard by country singer Hank Thompson on an Oklahoma City radio show and is invited to record with his band in 1954. She performs in styles ranging from traditional folk material and country twang to high yodelling and throaty ballads, and she develops a distinctive voice that helps establish her as one of the first widely popular female rock and roll singers.

She begins singing country-tinged gospel in childhood, then turns towards rock and roll after encouragement from Elvis Presley, whom she dates. Her work combines rockabilly with country and gospel elements, and she becomes a pioneering figure for women in popular music.

Notable songs and recordings

Jackson is known for songs with wry lyrics, including “Fujiyama Mama”, which contains references to the World War II bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and becomes a number one hit in Japan. Her biggest hit is “Let’s Have a Party” in 1959. Later recordings include I Remember Elvis and The Party Ain’t Over, the latter made with Jack White and including covers of Bob Dylan’s “Thunder on the Mountain” and Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good”.

Collaborations and touring

She tours with early rock and roll figures including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly. In 1996, alt-country singer Rosie Flores invites her to duet on an album, which leads to club dates and then a five-week North American tour. After that she assembles her own band and returns to clubs and festivals. She also records with The Cramps, Lee Rocker, Dave Alvin and Elvis Costello.

Recognition and honours

Jackson is nominated for two Grammy Awards and receives the Oklahoma Native Daughter Award. She is inducted into the Oklahoma Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the International Hall of Fame, the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the German Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2009, she is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence.

Later career

A born-again Christian, Jackson and her husband and manager Wendell Goodman leave rock and roll in 1971 and spend the next 25 years performing gospel in churches. She later returns to club and festival performance and continues to record and perform.