Wanda Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist born on October 20, 1937, in Maud, Oklahoma. She is known as the “Queen of Rockabilly,” a genre of music that emerged in the 1950s and blended rock and roll with country and blues. Jackson’s distinctive and powerful voice, combined with her skills as a guitarist, made her a standout figure in the male-dominated music industry of the time.
Jackson released her debut album in 1958, and quickly became a star with hits such as “Let’s Have a Party” and “Fujiyama Mama.” She continued to release music throughout the 1960s and 1970s, earning critical acclaim for her eclectic and adventurous approach to music.
Jackson’s legacy in music is significant. She has inspired and influenced generations of artists with her pioneering work in rockabilly and her trailblazing role as a female musician. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, among other honors. She remains a beloved and respected figure in the music world, and her impact on American culture and society is immeasurable.
1. Let’s Have a Party
“Let’s Have a Party” is a classic rockabilly song by Wanda Jackson, released in 1958. The song features Jackson’s distinctive and energetic vocals, with a fast-paced rhythm and a catchy melody. The lyrics encourage listeners to let loose and have fun, with Jackson’s voice conveying a sense of excitement and joy. The song’s upbeat and infectious sound, combined with Jackson’s powerful delivery, make it a fan favorite and a beloved classic in the rock and roll and rockabilly genres. “Let’s Have a Party” showcases Jackson’s talent as a singer and her ability to create music that is both entertaining and empowering.
2. I Gotta Know
“I Gotta Know” by Wanda Jackson is an upbeat and infectious rockabilly classic that captures the spirit of youthful romance and the thrill of new love. The song’s catchy melody and driving rhythm evoke the excitement and energy of falling in love, creating a sense of joy and anticipation. Jackson’s dynamic and sassy vocals bring a sense of playfulness and confidence to the song, conveying the sense of adventure and excitement that comes with young love. “I Gotta Know” is a fun and flirty classic that remains a testament to the enduring power of rockabilly to capture the spirit of youth, passion, and rebellion.
3. Right or Wrong
“Right or Wrong” by Wanda Jackson is a classic country track that showcases her powerful and emotive vocals. The song features a traditional country instrumentation, including twangy guitars and steel guitar, that complements the themes of heartbreak and love. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the challenges of navigating relationships, with Jackson’s voice conveying both vulnerability and resilience. “Right or Wrong” was a major hit for Jackson in the 1950s, and remains a beloved classic of the country music canon, with its timeless themes and memorable melodies resonating with listeners of all generations.
4. Mean Mean Man
“Mean Mean Man” is a classic rockabilly song by Wanda Jackson, released in 1960. The song features Jackson’s powerful and sassy vocals, with a driving rhythm and a bluesy guitar riff. The lyrics describe a man who is both alluring and dangerous, with Jackson’s voice conveying a sense of sass and confidence. The song’s edgy and rebellious sound, combined with Jackson’s dynamic delivery, make it a standout track in her discography and a beloved classic in the rockabilly genre. “Mean Mean Man” showcases Jackson’s talent as a singer and her ability to create music that is both provocative and fun.
5. Thunder On the Mountain
“Thunder On the Mountain” by Wanda Jackson is a high-energy rockabilly track that captures the power and intensity of rock and roll music. The song’s driving beat and electrifying guitar riffs create a sense of energy and excitement, evoking the sense of liberation and rebellion that comes with rock and roll. Jackson’s bold and confident vocals bring a sense of strength and charisma to the song, conveying the sense of power and defiance that comes with living life on one’s own terms. “Thunder On the Mountain” is a powerful and inspiring track that remains a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll to empower and inspire listeners.
6. Tears Will Be the Chaser For Your Wine
“Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine” by Wanda Jackson is a classic country ballad that showcases her powerful and emotive vocals. The song features a traditional country instrumentation, including pedal steel guitar and fiddle, that complements the lyrics’ themes of heartbreak and regret. Jackson’s voice is filled with emotion as she sings about the pain of lost love and the solace found in alcohol. “Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine” is a standout track from Jackson’s acclaimed 1966 album “The Best of Wanda Jackson,” and a powerful example of her ability to convey deep emotion and connect with audiences through her music.
7. You Can’t Have My Love
“You Can’t Have My Love” is a classic rockabilly song by Wanda Jackson, released in 1961. The song features Jackson’s sassy and confident vocals, with a lively rhythm and a catchy melody. The lyrics describe a man who is trying to win Jackson’s heart, but she refuses to give in to his advances. Jackson’s voice conveys a sense of independence and strength, as she asserts her own autonomy and refuses to be controlled by a man. The song’s empowering message, combined with Jackson’s bold delivery, make it a standout track in her discography and a beloved classic in the rockabilly genre. “You Can’t Have My Love” showcases Jackson’s talent as a singer and her ability to create music that is both fun and empowering.
8. Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
“Pick Me Up On Your Way Down” by Wanda Jackson is a classic country ballad that captures the heartache and disappointment of a failed relationship. The song’s melancholic melody and poignant lyrics evoke the sense of loss and longing that comes with unrequited love, creating a sense of sadness and vulnerability. Jackson’s emotive and tender vocals bring a sense of depth and authenticity to the song, conveying the sense of pain and heartbreak that comes with a broken heart. “Pick Me Up On Your Way Down” is a beautiful and moving ballad that remains a testament to the enduring power of country music to capture the complex emotions and experiences of human relationships.
9. In the Middle of a Heartache
“In the Middle of a Heartache” by Wanda Jackson is a classic rockabilly track that showcases her powerful and dynamic vocals. The song features a lively and energetic arrangement, with twangy guitars and driving drums creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is struggling to move on from a failed relationship, with Jackson’s voice conveying both pain and determination. “In the Middle of a Heartache” was a major hit for Jackson in the 1960s, and remains a beloved classic of the rockabilly genre, with its catchy melody and infectious energy still resonating with audiences today.
10. Fujiyama Mama
“Fujiyama Mama” is a classic rockabilly song by Wanda Jackson, released in 1957. The song features Jackson’s powerful and fiery vocals, with a fast-paced rhythm and a catchy melody. The lyrics describe a woman who is wild and unpredictable, with Jackson’s voice conveying a sense of rebelliousness and defiance. The song’s energetic and rebellious sound, combined with Jackson’s dynamic delivery, make it a standout track in her discography and a beloved classic in the rockabilly genre. “Fujiyama Mama” showcases Jackson’s talent as a singer and her ability to create music that is both entertaining and empowering.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
