Wanda Jackson

Wanda Jackson (born Wanda Jean Jackson October 20, 1937, in Maud, Oklahoma) is sometimes called the first female Rock and Roll singer. She began recording (on the Decca label) in 1954. Jackson signed wi

Wanda Jackson (born Wanda Jean Jackson October 20, 1937, in Maud, Oklahoma) is sometimes called the first female Rock and Roll singer. She began recording (on the Decca label) in 1954. Jackson signed with Capitol in 1956. In 1960 she saw pop chart success when Capitol rereleased her 1958 rendition of "Let's Have a Party." She switched over to Country Music in the 1960s, racking up a few hits there as well. She has often been hailed as the "Queen of Rockabilly".

Jackson was still in high school when country singer Hank Thompson heard her sing on an Oklahoma City radio show and asked her to record with his band. She dated Elvis Presley, who encouraged her to step away from the country-tinged gospel she had been performing since childhood and try her hand at rock and roll. She developed her own distinctive voice and performed in a variety of styles, from folksy traditional tunes to country twang and high yodels to throaty, suggestive ballads.