WANDA JACKSON

Biography

Wanda Jackson, born October 20, 1937, in Maud, Oklahoma, is a renowned American singer-songwriter known for her contributions to rockabilly, country, and gospel music. She began her music career at a young age, performing on a local radio show in Oklahoma City. Her talent caught the attention of Hank Thompson, who helped her secure a recording contract with Decca Records in 1954. Her early hits included 'You Can't Have My Love,' which became a national Top 10 country hit. In 1956, she signed with Capitol Records, where she explored both country and rockabilly styles, earning her the nickname 'The Queen of Rockabilly.' Her rockabilly singles, such as 'Fujiyama Mama' and 'Let's Have a Party,' gained significant popularity. In the 1960s, Jackson shifted her focus back to country music, achieving several charting singles. She later transitioned to gospel music in the 1970s. Jackson's legacy includes being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. She retired from performing in 2019 at the age of 81. Throughout her career, Jackson has been celebrated for her pioneering role in rock and roll and country music as a female artist. Her influence extends across genres, inspiring generations of musicians with her unique style and perseverance in a male-dominated industry. Her contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards and inductions, solidifying her place as a music icon.

Fun Facts

• Wanda Jackson was gifted her first guitar at age six by her father.
• She began performing on a daily radio show in Oklahoma City while still in high school.
• Jackson's single 'Let's Have a Party' became a hit in the UK and Australia.
• She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Hank Thompson - Mentor who helped her secure a recording contract (Early country hits like 'You Can't Have My Love') [1950s]
• Elvis Presley - Encouraged her to explore rockabilly (Rockabilly singles) [1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Billy Gray - Collaborated on the duet 'You Can't Have My Love' (Decca Records debut) [1954]
• The Brazos Valley Boys - Performed with Hank Thompson's band (Early live performances) [1950s]

Artists Influenced

• Various female rock and country artists - Pioneering female figure in rock and roll and country (Inspirational influence across genres) [1950s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Funnel Of Love (The Capitol Singles 1959-1961)
2. Let's Have A Party (Wanda Jackson)
3. Fujiyama Mama - Remastered (Rockin' With Wanda)
4. Funnel of Love (Heart Trouble)
5. Long Tall Sally (Wanda Jackson)
6. Stupid Cupid (Right Or Wrong)
7. Whirlpool (The Capitol Singles 1962-1963)
8. Hard Headed Woman (There's A Party Goin' On)
9. Right Or Wrong
10. Right Or Wrong (Right Or Wrong)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia