Wanda Jackson: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia
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|URL = [http://www.wandajackson.com/ Official Website]
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'''Wanda Lavonne Jackson''' (born [[October 20]], [[1937]]) is an American [[rockabilly]]singer and [[country music]] singerguitarist who had success in the mid-50s1950s and the 60s. She wasas one of the first popular female [[rockabilly]] singers to come to popularity during the 1950s.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=WANDA|JACKSON&sql=11:3ifixqe5ldae~T1|title=Biography - Wanda Jackson|last=Wolff|first=Kurt|publisher=[[allmusic]]|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>
AsShe mixed country music with fast-moving rockabilly, often cutting each side of a record with a different type of music.<ref name="roughguide">{{cite book|title=Country Music: The Rough Guide|last=Wolff|first=Kurt|editor=Orla Duane|publisher=Rough Guides Ltd.|location=London|date=2000|pages=275–276|chapter=Ch.7: You Can't Catch Me: Rockabilly Busts Through the Door}}</ref> As rockabilly began to decline in popularity by the mid-1960s, Jackson moved to a successful career in mainstream country music, havingwith a string of hits between 1966 and 1973, including, "Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine," "The Box it Came in," "My Big Iron Skillet," and "Fancy Satin Pillows."▼
Jackson began her professional career while she was still in high school in Oklahoma City, after being discovered by [[Hank Thompson]] in 1954.<ref name="allmusic"/>
From there, she pursued a lifelong career in country and rockabilly music. Unlike her counterpart, [[Janis Martin]], who quit the music business after getting married, Jackson decided to keep working. She mixed regular country music material with fast-moving rockabilly music, often cutting each side of a record with a different type of music. <ref name="roughguide">{{cite book|title=Country Music: The Rough Guide|last=Wolff|first=Kurt|editor=Orla Duane|publisher=Rough Guides Ltd.|location=London|date=2000|pages=275–276|chapter=Ch.7: You Can't Catch Me: Rockabilly Busts Through the Door}}</ref>
▲As Rockabilly began to decline in popularity by the mid-1960s, Jackson moved to a successful career in mainstream country music, having a string of hits between 1966 and 1973, including, "Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine," "The Box it Came in," "My Big Iron Skillet," and "Fancy Satin Pillows."
She will be inducted into the [[Rock & Roll Hall of Fame]] as an early influence on April 4, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/spot/article.aspx?subjectid=269&articleid=20090109_269_0_hrimgs782693|title= Wanda Jackson to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|accessdate=2009-01-09}}</ref><ref name="APHOF">{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hREPMeeR5GfDTBELMODMLmXmjLWgD95N3FTO1|title=The Associated Press: Run-DMC, Metallica lead list of 2009 Rock Hall|accessdate=2009-01-14}}</ref>
==Early lifeBiography==
Wanda Jackson has lived much of her life in Oklahoma City, but was born in [[Maud, Oklahoma]] in 1937. Her father, who was also a musician, moved the family to [[California]] during the 1940s in hopes of a better life. <ref name="roughguide"/>
Two years later, he bought Jackson a [[guitar]] and encouraged her to play. He also took her to see popular concert attractions, such as [[Spade Cooley]], [[Tex Williams]], and [[Bob Wills]], which left a lasting impression on Jackson. <ref name="allmusic"/>
In 1952 at age 15, her father moved the family back to Oklahoma. That same year she won a talent contest, which led to her own radio program. <ref name="oldies">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldies.com/artist-biography/Wanda-Jackson.html|title=Wanda Jackson biography|last=Larkin|first=Collin|publisher=oldies.com|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>
The program was upped to an additional 30 minutes shortly after. It was during this time when [[Hank Thompson]] heard Jackson sing. <ref name="allmusic"/>
Thompson invited her to perform with his band, the Brazos Valley Boys. Under their label, [[Capitol Records]], she recorded a few songs, including "You Can't Have My Love," a duet with Thompson's bandleader, Billy Gray. The song was released as a single in 1954 and became a national country hit. Jackson then asked Capitol to sign her, however she was turned down by producer Ken Nelson who told her "girls don't sell records." Instead, she signed with [[Decca Records]] <ref name="roughguide"/>▼
==Music=Early careerlife===
===Rockabilly: 1955–1963===
After graduating from Oklahoma City's Capitol Hill High School,<ref name="sass">Jennifer Chancellor, [http://www.tulsaworld.com/entertainment/spot/article.aspx?articleID=20081102_270_D1_WandaJ161652 "Sass and Style" (Profile of Wanda Jackson)], ''[[Tulsa World]]'', November 2, 2008.</ref> she began to tour, where her father joined her, acting as her manager and chaperone. <ref name="allmusic"/>▼
On tour she often shared the bill with [[Elvis Presley]], who encouraged Jackson to sing rockabilly. She was a cast member of ABC-TV's ''[[Ozark Jubilee]]'' from 1955-1960, and in 1956 she signed with Capitol records, recording a number of singles mixed of country as well as rock and roll material. One of these singles, "I Gotta Know," released in 1956, was a major country hit, peaking at #15<ref name="oldies"/>. Jackson continued to record more rockabilly singles throughout the decade, with the help of producer Ken Nelson. Jackson insisted that Nelson should make her records sound like those of label mates [[Gene Vincent]] and [[The Blue Caps]]. Nelson brought in many experienced and popular session players including rock & roll pianist Merill Moore and the then unknown [[Buck Owens]]. With a unique vocal style and upbeat music material, Jackson created some of the most influential Rock and Roll music of the time period. <ref name="musicianguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608003648/Wanda-Jackson.html|title=''Wanda Jackson biography''|last=Bruke|first=Ken|publisher=Musician Guide.com|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>▼
Jackson has lived much of her life in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]] but was born in [[Maud, Oklahoma|Maud]] in 1937. Her father, also a musician, moved the family to [[California]] during the 1940s in hopes of a better life.<ref name="roughguide"/> Two years later, he bought Jackson a [[guitar]] and encouraged her to play. He also took her to see performances by [[Spade Cooley]], [[Tex Williams]] and [[Bob Wills]], which left a lasting impression.<ref name="allmusic"/> In 1952 when she was 15, her father moved the family back to Oklahoma. That same year she won a talent contest which led to her own radio program, soon extended by an additional 30 minutes.<ref name="oldies">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldies.com/artist-biography/Wanda-Jackson.html|title=Wanda Jackson biography|last=Larkin|first=Collin|publisher=oldies.com|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>
During the 1950s, Jackson's stage outfits were often designed by her mother. Unlike the traditional country attire worn by female country music singers of the time, Jackson wore [[fringe]] dresses, high heels, and long earrings. Jackson has claimed she was the first female to put "glamour into country music."<ref name="allmusic"/>▼
▲Jackson began her professional career while still in high school in Oklahoma City after being discovered by [[Hank Thompson]] in 1954,<ref name="allmusic"/><ref name="allmusic"/> who invited her to perform with his band, the Brazos Valley Boys. UnderShe recorded a few songs on their label, [[Capitol Records]], she recorded a few songs, including "You Can't Have My Love," a duet with Thompson's bandleader, Billy Gray. The song was released as a single in 1954 and became a national country hit. Jackson then asked Capitol to sign her, however shebut was turned down by producer Ken Nelson who told her "girls don't sell records." Instead, she signed with [[Decca Records]] .<ref name="roughguide"/>
During the late 1950s, Jackson recorded and released a number of rockabilly songs, including "Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad," "Mean, Mean Man," "Fujiyama Mama" (which peaked at #1 in Japan), and "Honey Bop." These songs failed to gain major success and were regional hits at best. <ref name="musicianguide"/>▼
It wasn't until 1960 she had a hit with "Let's Have a Party," (a song Elvis Presley had cut a year earlier) which peaked in the U.S. Pop Top 40. <ref name="oldies"/>
By this time, Jackson was headlining concerts by herself with her own band, which she dubbed, "The Party Timers." Prominently featured in her show was Black pianist [[Big Al Downing]] and guitarist [[Roy Clark]], who was virtually unknown at the time. <ref name="musicianguide"/>
A year later, she recorded more country-pop sounding material withe "Right or Wrong" and "In the Middle of a Heartache," which both peaked in the country top 10. <ref name="allmusic"/>
The unexpected success from her records led Capitol to release a number of albums composed of her 1950s material, including 1960's ''Rockin' with Wanda'' and ''There's a Party Goin' on,'' which included "Tongue Tied" and "Riot in the Cell Block #9." Her 1961 and 1962 albums, ''Right or Wrong'' and ''Wonderful Wanda'', featured her two Top 10 country hits from 1961. In 1963, Jackson recorded a final Rock & Roll-styled album titled ''Two Sides of Wanda,'' which included material of Rock & Roll and Country, including a cover of [[Jerry Lee Lewis]]' "[[Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On]]".<ref name="mission">{{cite web|url=http://www.missioncreep.com/mw/jackson.html|title=The Rock & Roll Eruption of Wanda Jackson|last=Walsh|first=Mike|publisher=''Mission Creep.com''|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>▼
===Country1955 – gospel music1960: 1965 –Early 1979career===
In 1965, Jackson made the move to country music as Rock & Roll declined in success. In 1966, she released two singles that peaked in the Country Top 20, "Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine" and "The Box it Came in." <ref name="allmusic"/>
Jackson remained a regular presence in the Country Top 40 for almost ten years. Her hit singles during this time often asserted a fiery and violent persona, including 1969's "My Big Iron Skillet," which threatened death or assault for cheating on a spouse. <ref name="musicianguide"/>
In 1967, she recorded two albums and released a string of singles during the next few years, none of which reached the Top 20 until 1969's "My Big Iron Skillet." In 1970 and 1971, she had her final Top 20 country hits with "A Woman Lives for Love" and "Fancy Satin Pillows."
▲After graduating from Oklahoma City's Capitol Hill High School,<ref name="sass">Jennifer Chancellor, [http://www.tulsaworld.com/entertainment/spot/article.aspx?articleID=20081102_270_D1_WandaJ161652 "Sass and Style" (Profile of Wanda Jackson)], ''[[Tulsa World]]'', November 2, 2008.</ref> sheJackson began to tour, where her father joined her, acting as her manager and chaperonechaperon. <ref name="allmusic"/>
During these next ten years, she was a premier attraction in [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] and was twice nominated for a [[Grammy award]]. She also had her own television show for a brief period of time called, ''Music Village.''<ref name="allmusic"/>
On tour she often shared the bill with [[Elvis Presley]], who encouraged Jackson to sing rockabilly. She was a cast member of ABC-TV's ''[[Ozark Jubilee]]'' in [[Springfield, Missouri]] from 1955-1960, and in 1956 she signed with Capitol, recording a number of singles, mixing country with rock and roll. "I Gotta Know," released in 1956, peaked at number 15.<ref name="oldies"/>
In the early 70s, she and her husband discovered [[Christianity]], and from then on recorded a large amount of [[Gospel music|Gospel]] songs and albums, including 1972's ''Praise the Lord'' off of Capitol records. <ref name="roughguide"/>
She switched to Christianity after her children begged her and her husband to regularly attend to church. From then on, Jackson promised to be a devout Christian. <ref name="musicianguide"/>
As Jackson's music changed from Country to Gospel, Capitol was no longer interested in her, and therefore she was dropped from the label in the early 70s. During the decade she recorded a number of albums for small religious labels and set up [[Evangelical]] church tours with her husband across the country. Jackson wanted to record a mix of country and gospel music for her albums; however, the religious labels were not interested. <ref name="mission"/>▼
▲During the 1950s, Jackson's stage outfits were often designed by her mother. Unlike the traditional country attire worn by female country music singers of the time, Jacksonshe wore [[fringe]] dresses, high heels, and long earrings. Jackson has claimed she was the first female to put "glamourglamor into country music."<ref name="allmusic"/>
===New beginnings: 1980 – present===▼
In the early 1980s, Jackson was invited to [[Europe]] to play and record rockabilly music. <ref name="allmusic"/>
▲On tour she often shared the bill with [[Elvis Presley]], who encouraged Jackson to sing rockabilly. She was a cast member of ABC-TV's ''[[Ozark Jubilee]]'' from 1955-1960, and in 1956 she signed with Capitol records, recording a number of singles mixed of country as well as rock and roll material. One of these singles, "I Gotta Know," released in 1956, was a major country hit, peaking at #15<ref name="oldies"/>. Jackson continued to record more rockabilly singles throughoutthrough the decade, with the help of producer Ken Nelson. Jackson insisted that Nelson should make her records sound like those of label mates [[Gene Vincent]] and [[The Blue Caps]]. Nelson brought in many experienced and popular session players, including rock &and roll pianist Merill Moore and the then unknown [[Buck Owens]]. With a unique vocal style and upbeat music material, Jackson created some of the most influential Rockrock and Rollroll music of the time period. <ref name="musicianguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608003648/Wanda-Jackson.html|title=''Wanda Jackson biography''|last=Bruke|first=Ken|publisher=Musician Guide.com|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>
When revivalists sought her out, Jackson found a large popularity in Europe and toured there nearly the entire decade. She regularly toured the European countries of [[Scandinavia]], [[England]], and [[Germany]]. She became highly respected in the music industry for her efforts made in rockabilly music, <ref name="mission"/>
inspiring American country artists such as, [[Pam Tillis]], [[Jann Browne]], and [[Rosie Flores]]. <ref name="allmusic"/>
▲DuringIn the late 1950s, Jackson recorded and released a number of rockabilly songs, including "Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad," "Mean, Mean Man," "Fujiyama Mama" (which peakedhit atnumber #1one in [[Japan]]), and "Honey Bop." TheseThe songs failed to gain major success, however, and were regional hits at best. <ref name="musicianguide"/>
In 1995, she sang two duets with Flores on her 1995 album, ''Rockabilly Filly,'' and then embarked on a United States tour with her, her first American tour since the 70s. <ref name="roughguide"/>
In 2001, she played at the Rockabilly Festival in [[Jackson, Tennessee]], along with [[Narvel Felts]] and [[Billy Haley and His Comets]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1474998/rockabilly-festival-on-tap-for-jackson.jhtml|title=Rockabilly Festival on Tap for Jackson|publisher=''CMT.com''|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>Wanda's backup band for much of this revival was The Cadillac Angels (Tony Balbino, Mickey Chihuahua and [[Anders Stone]]). Despite her age, Wanda Jackson toured incessantly.<ref>{{cite web|url=[http://www.rockabilly.net/articles/wanda.shtml|title=Fujiyama Mama By David Hill,The Cadillac Angels, Rockabilly.net}}</ref>▼
===1960 – 1965: The Queen of Rockabilly===
In 1960, Jackson had a hit with "Let's Have a Party," (a song Presley had cut a year earlier) on the U.S. pop Top 40 chart.<ref name="oldies"/> By this time, she was headlining concerts with her own band, which she dubbed The Party Timers. Prominently featured were pianist [[Big Al Downing]] and guitarist [[Roy Clark]], virtually unknown at the time.<ref name="musicianguide"/> A year later, she recorded more country-pop sounding material with "Right or Wrong" and "In the Middle of a Heartache," which both peaked in the country top ten.<ref name="allmusic"/>
▲The unexpected success fromof her records led Capitol to release a number of albums composed of her 1950s material, including 1960's ''Rockin' with Wanda'' and ''There's a Party Goin' onOn,'' which included "Tongue Tied" and "Riot in the Cell Block #9." Her 1961 and 1962 albums, ''Right or Wrong'' and ''Wonderful Wanda'', featured her two Toptop 10ten country hits from 1961. In 1963, Jackson recorded a final Rock & Roll-styled album titled ''Two Sides of Wanda,'' which included materialboth ofrock Rockand & Rollroll and Countrycountry music, including a cover of [[Jerry Lee Lewis]]' "[[Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On]]".<ref name="mission">{{cite web|url=http://www.missioncreep.com/mw/jackson.html|title=The Rock & Roll Eruption of Wanda Jackson|last=Walsh|first=Mike|publisher=''Mission Creep.com''|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>
===1965 – 1979: Country and gospel hits===
In 1965, Jackson made the move to country music as rockabilly declined in popularity, and had a string of Top 40 hits during the next ten years. In 1966, she released two singles that peaked in the Country top 20, "Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine" and "The Box it Came in."<ref name="allmusic"/> In 1967 she recorded two albums, and released a string of singles during the next few years that often asserted a fiery and violent persona, including 1969's "My Big Iron Skillet," a top 20 hit which threatened death or assault for cheating on a spouse.<ref name="musicianguide"/> In 1970 and 1971, she had her final Top 20 country hits with "A Woman Lives for Love" and "Fancy Satin Pillows." Jackson was a premier attraction in [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] and was twice nominated for a [[Grammy award]]. She briefly had her own television show, ''Music Village.''<ref name="allmusic"/>
▲AsIn Jacksonthe early 70s, at her children's musicrequest, changedJackson fromand Countryher husband began to Gospel,regularly Capitolattend waschurch noand longerdiscovered interested[[Christianity]].<ref inname="musicianguide"/> her,She andbegan thereforerecording she[[Gospel wasmusic|Gospel]] droppedsongs fromand thealbums, labelincluding in1972's ''Praise the earlyLord'' 70son Capitol.<ref Duringname="roughguide"/> theAfter decadeCapitol dropped her, she recorded a number of albums for small religious labels and set up [[Evangelical]] church tours with her husband across the country. Jackson wanted to record a mix of country and gospel music for her albums; however, the religious labels were not interested. <ref name="mission"/>
▲===New beginnings: 1980 – present: New beginnings===
In the early 1980s, Jackson was invited to [[Europe]] to play and record rockabilly music. <ref name="allmusic"/> When revivalists sought her out, she toured there during the decade. She regularly toured [[Scandinavia]], [[England]], and [[Germany]]; and influenced country artists including [[Pam Tillis]], [[Jann Browne]] and [[Rosie Flores]].<ref name="allmusic"/> In 1995, she sang two duets with Flores on her 1995 album, ''Rockabilly Filly,'' and then embarked on a United States tour with her, her first American tour since the 1970s.<ref name="roughguide"/>
▲In 2001, she played at the Rockabilly Festival in [[Jackson, Tennessee]], along with [[Narvel Felts]] and [[Billy Haley and His Comets]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1474998/rockabilly-festival-on-tap-for-jackson.jhtml|title=Rockabilly Festival on Tap for Jackson|publisher=''CMT.com''|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>Wanda's Her backup band for much of this revival was The Cadillac Angels (Tony Balbino, Mickey Chihuahua and [[Anders Stone]]). Despite her age, Wanda Jackson toured incessantly.<ref>{{cite web|url=[http://www.rockabilly.net/articles/wanda.shtml|title=Fujiyama Mama By David Hill,The Cadillac Angels, Rockabilly.net}}</ref>
In 2002, she was ranked at #35 on [[Country Music Television|CMT]]'s special of the ''[[40 Greatest Women of Country Music]].''
In 2003, Jackson released her first studio album since the 1980s titled, ''Heart Trouble'' off ofon [[CMH Records]]. The 16-track album included guest appearances by [[Elvis Costello]] and [[Rosie Flores]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wandajackson.com/pages/heart_trouble.html|title=Wanda Jackson - Heart Trouble|publisher=Wanda Jackson.com|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref> In 2005, Jackson and [[Conway Twitty]] were nominated for induction into the [[Rock & Roll Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1490946/twitty-jackson-nominated-for-rock-hall.jhtml|title=Twitty, Jackson Nominated for Rock Hall|publisher=''CMT.com''|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref> Also that year, the young Jackson was portrayed in the [[Johnny Cash]] film [[biopic]] ''[[Walk the Line]]'',<ref name="sass"></ref> by singer [[Amy LaVere]].
In 2005, Jackson along with [[Conway Twitty]] were nominated for an induction into the [[Rock & Roll Hall of Fame]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1490946/twitty-jackson-nominated-for-rock-hall.jhtml|title=Twitty, Jackson Nominated for Rock Hall|publisher=''CMT.com''|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref> Also in 2005, the young Jackson was depicted as a character in the [[Johnny Cash]] film [[biopic]] ''[[Walk the Line]]'',<ref name="sass"> </ref> portrayed by singer [[Amy LaVere]].
On 28 October 28, 2008, Jackson returned to Europe for a one-offan appearance at the London Rock 'n' Roll Festival, appearing with [[Jerry Lee Lewis]] and [[Linda Gail Lewis]] at the [[London Forum]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.londonrocknroll.com/|title=London Rock & Roll.com|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>
In September 2008, Jacksonshe was nominated for a second time for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1595396/wanda-jackson-nominated-for-rock-hall-induction.jhtml|title=Wanda Jackson Nominated for Rock Hall Induction|publisher=''CMT.com''|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref> On January 14, 2009 it was announced that she had been selected to be inducted on April 4, 2009, in the "early influence" category.<ref name="APHOF"> </ref>
==Personal life==
In 1955 Jackson dated Elvis Presley for a brief period of time while on tour with him <ref name="musicianguide"/>. <ref>http://www.classicbands.com/WandaJacksonInterview.html</ref>
In 1955 Jackson briefly dated Elvis Presley while on tour with him.<ref name="musicianguide"/>. <ref>http://www.classicbands.com/WandaJacksonInterview.html</ref> She married former [[IBM]] programmer Wendell Goodman in 1961., Goodmanwho served as Jackson'sher manager throughout her entire carer. The couple also had two children together. SinceUnlike findingher Christianitycounterpart, in[[Janis the early 70sMartin]], Jacksonwho isquit athe [[Bornmusic Againbusiness Christian]].after <ref>{{citegetting web|url=http://www.nndb.com/people/119/000128732/|title=NNDBmarried, profileJackson -decided Wandato Jackson|publisher=nndbkeep working.com|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref> She nowcurrently lives in Oklahoma City.<ref name="sass"> </ref>
==Discography==
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==External links==
* [http://www.wandajackson.com/ Wanda Jackson's Officialofficial Web Websitesite]
* [http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/interview_wanda_jackson.shtml Interview with Wanda Jackson]
*[http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid1=129&csid2=946&fid1=36028 Wanda Jackson article] February 2009
*[http://www.storyofthestars.com/wanda_jackson.htm Story of the Stars article]