Wanda Jackson, The Queen Of Rockabilly & Her LP “Right Or Wrong”
While doing some reading, last night, I stumbled across an article about an upcoming appearance, here in Raleigh, this weekend, by “The Queen Of Rockabilly”, Wanda Jackson. For those who are not very familiar with Ms. Jackson, she first gained notice, in the mid 1950′s, while touring with Elvis. During the decade, she would become quite popular, worldwide, with the exception of the United States, where she could only muster a couple of minor country hits. In fact, in Japan, she had one of the most popular recordings, ever, in that country, during this time, with a version of the song “Fujiyama Mama”.
Her stateside fortunes began turning for the better in 1960, when she finally broke through the pop top forty with “Let’s Have A Party”. While she never would have any major pop hits, she would become a regular on the country charts, through the early 1970′s, beginning with 1961′s “Right Or Wrong”.
After years away from the mainstream scene, Wanda has now reemerged, as popular as ever, especially with the younger music fans. Not bad for a 72 year old veteran from the early days of Rock ‘N Roll. In fact, she has recently released a new single with rocker Jack White, a cover of the Amy Winehouse “You Know I’m No Good”.
The album “Right Or Wrong” was released in October, 1961, and the title track would become her biggest hit, reaching country’s top ten, while also making the pop top forty. “Right Or Wrong” is one of my favorite songs of 1960′s country. She has a unique tone that’s twangy, but it’s a different style of twang, than say Kitty Wells or Skeeter Davis. It’s hard to describe, but it’s easy to hear. “Right Or Wrong” is a recording that commands your attention, immediately. As soon as it starts, you are drawn in, and not let go until the last note. It may also be her best performance; it certainly would rank as one of her top 2-3.
The rest of the album is pretty decent, as well. She does a very capable job of covering Stonewall Jackson’s “Why I’m Walking”, George Jones’ “The Window Up Above”, and frankly, does an even better rendition of “So Soon”, than even Jimmy Newman, who scored a hit with the song, a couple of years earlier. These are country classics, but her style gives them a completely different and refreshing interpretation. One should also take note of her version of “The Last Letter”, a song that was classic country, even in 1961. Again, one of the best versions I’ve heard of this old standard. “I May Never Get To Heaven” is an interesting cut, as well. This one has a definite top forty feel to it, it would have been right at home on those classic top forty AM flame-throwers of the time. Whereas, Conway Twitty’s later hit version (1979) was more dramatic, Wanda’s version is more intimate.
While side 1 was the country side, side 2, is rockabilly. It’s the side that was meant to play loud. “Sticks And Stones” is flat-out rocker, as hard as anything of that era. “Stupid Cupid” is a cover of a Connie Francis hit; here Wanda turns it into a pure rockabilly number. “Slippin’ And Slidin’” is not as good; to me, it almost sounds like she’s trying to imitate Brenda Lee on this cut.
Then there’s her version of Chuck Berry’s “Brown-Eyed Handsome Man”. Like “Stupid Cupid”, she makes this one really rock in her best rockabilly-style. And the twang in her vocals makes the cut stand out.
She reaches back into the George Jones catalog for “Who Shot Sam”. Weakest cut on the disc. But to be fair, I’m not sure anyone outside of George could pull off this song.
I often comment about how the last song on the album can affect the overall impression of the release. In this case, it ends well. “My Baby Left Me” is yet another top-notch rocker. Here is where you can definitely hear the Elvis influence. It’s a great cut to end a great album.
This is a unique album in that it’s two entirely different styles on each side, and they both work. Credit Wanda Jackson for pulling that off, not too many artists, even today, could do that.
Amazingly enough, with all of the music that has been culled and reissued over the years, apparently this album has been overlooked. What a shame. This is one album that NEEDS to be re-issued. I did see on Ebay a few copies for sale, ranging from $5 to as high as $100. Wow, I better take good care of my copy!!!
One of the most unique and recognizable voices in music history; also one of the best. Overall, I will rate this one a 5 out of 5. It’s a must have for your collection.
Here are a couple of videos of vintage Wanda Jackson.
