#25 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
Rockin' With Wanda
Wanda Jackson
Year
1960
Genre
Country/AmericanaLabel
Capitol
Format
Vinyl LP
“Before anyone called it rockabilly, Wanda Jackson was doing it. She dated Elvis, then outsang him. 'Let's Have a Party' and 'Fujiyama Mama' are early rock and roll at its wildest — from a woman. Under $20 on reissue.”
Wanda Jackson is an American rock and roll pioneer who emerged in the 1950s as one of the first female artists to embrace the raw energy of early rock and roll. Born in 1935 in Oklahoma, Jackson recorded her first hit "I Gotta Boy" in 1954 and achieved major success with "Funnel of Love" (1961) and "Let's Have a Party" (1960). Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, she recorded extensively for Capitol Records and Decca Records, blending country, rockabilly, and rock influences. Jackson's career spanned decades, and she experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and beyond, recording acclaimed albums and touring internationally. Her catalog remains highly sought after by vinyl collectors for its authentic representation of early rock and roll history.
Style
Wanda Jackson's sound blended rockabilly, country, and early rock and roll with a powerful vocal delivery. Her music featured energetic guitar work, snappy rhythms, and a rebellious spirit that challenged gender norms in 1950s popular music.
Significance
Jackson is recognized as a trailblazer for female musicians in rock and roll history, influencing countless artists and gaining renewed appreciation among collectors interested in pre-British Invasion rock. Her original Capitol and Decca recordings from the 1950s-1960s are valued vinyl collectibles, particularly for capturing the formative years of rock and roll.
"Rockin' With Wanda" (1956) marked Wanda Jackson's emergence as one of the first female rockabilly pioneers. Recorded when Jackson was in her early twenties, the album showcased her powerful contralto voice and fearless approach to rock and roll at a time when the genre was still male-dominated. Jackson recorded these tracks for Decca Records, working with Western Swing and country musicians who helped bridge her honky-tonk roots with the emerging rockabilly sound. The album featured some of her earliest recordings that demonstrated her ability to command a band with the same intensity as her male contemporaries, blending country twang with raw rock and roll energy.
Historical Context
Released in 1956, "Rockin' With Wanda" arrived during rock and roll's explosive birth year, the same year Elvis Presley dominated the charts. While male rockabilly artists received most of the attention and airplay, Jackson carved out her own niche as a serious contender in the genre. The album was released during the era when rock and roll was still controversial, and a female artist embracing the style was particularly noteworthy. Jackson's work during this period helped establish that women could be authentic rockabilly performers, not merely singers of novelty records. Though not an immediate commercial blockbuster, the album gained respect within country and rockabilly circles and contributed to Jackson's legacy as a genre innovator.
Pressing Notes
Original Decca pressings from 1956 are relatively scarce and highly sought by collectors of early rockabilly. The album was issued in 10-inch format, typical of the era before 12-inch LPs became standard. Collectors should note that Wanda Jackson's early Decca material was later reissued by various labels, including Bear Family Records, which released comprehensive retrospectives with improved sound quality from original masters. Condition is critical for vintage Decca pressings; original sleeves often show significant wear. Reissue pressings and compilations are more affordable entry points for collectors seeking her 1950s rockabilly work.
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