WANDA JACKSON STILL HAS IT, BABY!!

[NightTrain]

I just spent the weekend in Montreal hanging out with friends, exploring the city, and attending Rockabilly Jam #19, whose headliner was Wanda "Queen of Rockabilly" Jackson.

In a weekend that had many kick-ass moments, the undisputed high point was seeing Wanda Jackson perform in a church basement that was filled to capacity with hundreds of adoring fans. The woman is 67 years old and couldn't have been an inch over five feet tall (unless you count the hair). But when she opened her mouth to sing, she might as well have still been the 20-year-old who rocked the American south of the 1950s with such burners as "Let's Have A Party," "A Mean, Mean Man," "Fujiyama Mama," and "Riot In Cell Block #9."

Not only is Wanda still in fine voice, but she's a consummate professional. Her between-song banter was just what it should have been. Rather than making feeble and often juvenile attempts at stand-up comedy--as far too many '50s and '60s rockers do on stage now--Wanda talked about how she came to write and record certain songs, how she had to re-learn several obscure tunes that she hadn't sung in 40-50 years because her fans wanted to hear them live, her time on the road touring with Elvis from 1955-57, and (unfortunately) her 1971 conversion to Christianity. Thankfully, Wanda did not go overboard with the religious talk. Instead, she kept it short and then spring-boarded into a blistering version of the Hank Williams gospel tune, "I Saw The Light."

It is truly gratifying that such a talented performer, who did not get her just due when she was young, will someday go to her rest knowing full well that her wonderful music is remembered, appreciated and loved, and not only by those who lived through the 1950s. In fact, the lion's share of the audience members appeared to be in their early 20s to mid-40s. As such, Wanda Jackson's magnificent discography will be alive and vibrant for decades to come. And with any luck, so will the lady herself.

Rock on, Wanda Jackson!!! :headbang:

[mac56]

1. very cool

I forgot what a cutie Ms. Jackson was!

[tigereye]

2. oh she is great!

Would have loved to see her.

[NightTrain]

3. You can see Wanda's tour schedule at her website.

www.wandajackson.com

[NightTrain]

4. kick for the night shift

[NightTrain]

5. Here's a link to some photos of the Montreal Rockabilly Jam.

http://www.webkitten.net/photos/montreal/page1.htm

[BlackVelvetElvis]

6. Hey NightTrain, remember...

that commercial she was in back in the late 80's (I think)?
What was that for?
I envy you seeing her. She's something ELSE!