May 2011 - OutreachNC Magazine

Jackson has never
stopped recording or
touring through the
birth of two children and raising a family.
Her big hits include “Let’s Have a Party,” “Hot Dog!
That Made Him Mad” and “Mean Mean Man.” She is
a versatile artist, penning her own songs and easily
shifting back to country music when the audience
wants it. Her 50-plus year music career and 2009
induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should
qualify her as an expert, but Jackson is still educating
herself.
“I always try to learn from those I work with,” says
Jackson. “I pick up tidbits from other entertainers and
try to improve my performances.”
Currently, she is learning from savvy rocker and
guitar legend Jack White who asked her to collaborate
with him. She thought the acknowledgement from the
Hall of Fame would be the culmination of her career.
Instead, White’s call reinvigorated her, and she is
touring non-stop for the album aptly titled “The Party
Ain’t Over.”
“I breathed a sigh of relief,” Jackson says. “I owe Jack
White a lot for bringing me back into the spotlight. I’m
having the time of my life.”
Jackson deferred to White on the music selections. He
chose tunes as varied as one on lying and cheating to
the morality message of “Dust on the Bible.” The Jackson
and White pairing is notable enough that they got
the attention of David Letterman and Conan O’Brien,
appearing on both late shows. They are performing
together to sold-out crowds. Jackson made three
appearances in N.C. last month, including a Chapel
Hill performance with another band. Though she has
no plans to stop performing any time soon, Jackson
is pragmatic about her future.
“Naturally, I want to do it (perform) as long as I can
and as long as I can draw crowds, but I don’t want to
just keep hanging on when my day is over,” she says. “I
want to step down very gracefully.”
It doesn’t look like that will be any time soon for this
feisty and talented septuagenarian.
OutreachNC • May 2011 19
Editor’s note:
L
ocal 506, a popular nightclub on
West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill,
was packed for a Tuesday night show. With
an audience ranging in age from college
to retirement, loud and enthusiastic cheers
and clapping welcomed Wanda Jackson, the
‘Queen of Rock’ to the stage.
Jackson, who I can best describe as a little
stack of dynamite, came out ready to rock with
her unique vocal talents in a fringed white blouse
that moved along with her to the beat. Backed up by
Heath Haynes and the Hi-Dollars, the band played
off her lead and looked on with as much admiration
and attentiveness as the audience. Sharing stories
of her days on the road with Elvis to joking about
her husband’s proposal over the phone, Jackson is
a timeless beauty who captivated all in attendance.
After a 17-song set including a rockin’ rendition of
“Heartbreak Hotel” and culminating with Jackson’s
big hit, “Let’s Have a Party,” she wrapped up the night
with an encore of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On.”
Jackson left a roaring crowd, sold a few more
copies of her latest album, “The Party Ain’t Over,”
and undoubtedly gained some new fans, myself
included.
—Carrie Frye
www.OutreachNC.com