Wanda Jackson
Wanda LaVonne Jackson, born on October 20, 1937, in Maud, Oklahoma, is an American retired singer and songwriter renowned for her contributions to rockabilly, rock and roll, country, and gospel music. Often hailed as "The Queen of Rockabilly," Jackson was among the first women to establish a career in rock and roll. Her musical journey began in her youth, performing on a daily radio show in Oklahoma City, which led to her discovery by country singer Hank Thompson. Thompson helped her secure a recording contract with Decca Records in 1954, where she released her first hit, "You Can't Have My Love."
Jackson's career took a pivotal turn when she toured with Elvis Presley, who encouraged her to explore the rockabilly genre. Signing with Capitol Records in 1956, she recorded a series of successful rock singles, including "Fujiyama Mama" and "Let's Have a Party." In the 1960s, she returned to country music, achieving hits like "Right or Wrong" and "In the Middle of a Heartache." Her international appeal was evident with the success of "Santo Domingo" in Austria.
A religious conversion in 1971 shifted her focus to gospel music, resulting in numerous gospel albums. The 1980s saw a resurgence in her rockabilly career, especially in Europe, leading to a renewed interest in her music in the United States during the 1990s. Collaborations with artists like Jack White in the 2000s further revitalized her career, culminating in her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Jackson announced her retirement in 2019, following health challenges, and released her final album, "Encore," in 2021. Throughout her career, Wanda Jackson's unique voice and pioneering spirit left an indelible mark on multiple music genres.
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