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Wanda Jackson artist page: interviews, features and/or performances archived at NPR Music
On Apr. 4, the rockabilly legend behind "Hard Headed Woman" 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.
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Once called "the female Elvis," rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson is finding a new following among young Hispanics who love 1950s culture and music. The 67-year-old queen of rockabilly recently stopped in Los Angeles to play a show and speak to NPR's Madeleine Brand.
()She had several hits in the late '50s and early '60s, including "Mean Mean Man," "Let's Have a Party" and "Fujiyama Mama." In the '70s she kept recording music, mostly gospel. She's 65 now and still touring. She's just released her first studio recording in 15 years, Heart Trouble. Guest musicians, including Elvis Costello and The Cramps, join her for several tracks.
()Wanda Jackson has always been one of the boys. Back in the 1950s, when country music started to rock, Jackson made waves with a bold voice and sultry stage moves. She dated Elvis and toured constantly, but slowly slipped from the spotlight. Now she's back and is the subject of a new PBS documentary. NPR's Neda Ulaby reports for All Things Considered. (7:30) See http://www.pbs.org/itvs/welcometotheclub/.
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