Category: News
Country and rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson has retired.
The 81-year-old performer announced via a press release posted on her official Facebook page earlier today (3/26) that she's retiring, effective immediately. "Wanda will not be making appearances at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend nor the Nashville Boogie Vintage Weekender," the announcement stated.
The press release said that Jackson's retirement after over 60 years on the road "is solely based on health and safety."
Discovered by Hank Thompson in the early 50s, Jackson's early sound was pure country. Her early recordings included the first rendition of "Silver Threads and Golden Needles," later made famous by the Springfields, Linda Ronstadt, and many others. Elvis Presley convinced her to try her hand at "rockabilly," so she did, setting the music world on fire with her dynamite voice.
After the rockabilly era ended Jackson returned to country music with the 1961 crossover hit "Right or Wrong." Other country hits followed, including "Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine" and "My Big Iron Skillet."
Later in her career Jackson expressed her faith by recording a number of gospel albums. In 2009 she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the "Early Influence" category. Her husband and manager, Wendall Goodman, passed away in May 2017.
I got to see Jackson at the Midnight Jamboree five years ago. Her voice was strong as ever, and she knocked the walls down as she covered her career with gospel, country, and rockabilly hits.
Thank you so much for all the great music, Wanda. Have a long, happy, and healthy retirement!
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