With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Rockabilly's Wanda Jackson Hits Hall Of Fame
Listen
9:00
On Apr. 4, rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Early Influence category. It's her hard head in the music business that's helped make her both a survivor and a pioneer.
Jackson's induction has been a long time coming, and her song "Rockabilly Fever" even states her case: "We called it rockabilly before they called it rock 'n' roll."
Jackson grew up wanting to sing country music, but says Elvis Presley changed her mind.
"I'm just so grateful to him for believing in me and encouraging me to stretch myself," Jackson says. "I kept saying, 'Elvis, I'm just a country singer. I can't sing like you.' He said, 'Sure you can. You need to be doing it.' "
Sponsored message
Presley also took the time to explain the music business to Jackson and her father. He said that in the past, musicians always aimed for an adult audience because they bought the records. But after working with Presley for a while, Jackson saw that kids were the ones buying the music.
One of Wanda Jackson's most popular songs also gave her a reputation she didn't quite expect. "Riot in Cell Block No. 9" was based on a story that Jackson had heard about a riot in a women's prison. But so many people assumed the original was about her that the 2003 version of the song -- recorded with psychobilly band The Cramps -- took her out of the equation. Still, Jackson admits that the "wild red bull" reputation fits her music just as well.
When interviewer Liane Hansen tells Jackson that she's most attached to her songs about heartbreak and "the man doin' you wrong," Jackson says she feels the same way.
"They're fun to sing," Jackson says. "I gotta take up for us gals, you know?"
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
