Wanda Jackson, on film and stage
By Gerald M. Gay
ggay@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.08.2009
Wanda Jackson may have Elvis Presley to thank for steering her toward a career in rockabilly. But it was a different Elvis who helped her get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Elvis Costello was recording a song with Jackson for her 2003 release, "Heart Trouble," when he learned that she wasn't in the Hall.
"He had just been inducted and couldn't believe I wasn't in there," said Jackson, 71, in a phone interview from her home in Oklahoma City. "He wanted to do something to fix that."
Costello, along with other heavy hitters including Bruce Springsteen, began writing letters and putting the word out at their concerts.
When the Hall of Fame wanted one of Costello's signature guitars for its museum, Jackson said, he told them, " 'You won't get that guitar until it is hanging on the wall next to Wanda's.' "
The campaign worked.
Jackson, who plays Plush Saturday, was finally recognized this year as an early influence of rock 'n' roll. In April, she was one of nine acts, including Run-D.M.C. and Metallica, inducted.
The honor kicked off a banner year for Jackson.
Over the last six months, she has had no fewer than four days named in her honor in different cities and counties in Oklahoma.
Some of her classic outfits, records, shoes and guitars are on display as part of the Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponka City, Okla.
And just last week, Oklahoma City officials named a street in her honor (Wanda Jackson Way) in the city's Bricktown Entertainment District.
"My street crosses Mickey Mantle Drive and Vince Gill Avenue," she said with a laugh. "I guess I really rank high around here."
Jackson's visit to Tucson this weekend will include a Saturday screening of a documentary about her at the Crossroads 6 Grand Cinema. Later that night, she'll perform at Plush.
The film, "The Sweet Lady With the Nasty Voice," features behind-the-scenes action from recent tours in the United States and Europe and never-before-seen footage of Jackson performing with legends such as Presley, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis.
"It was a very complete, well-done documentary," she said. "I hardly even noticed the cameras on tour. Every so often my husband would nudge me and say, 'Don't do anything embarrassing. Someone is behind you, filming over your shoulder.' "
The movie, which is screening here as part of the Tucson Film & Music Festival, includes testimonials from a long list of musicians, including rockabilly artist Rosie Flores, Lemmy from Motorhead and, of course, Elvis Costello.
Jackson said she's "really shocked" when she hears praise from her peers.
"I'm amazed every time a big star says, 'You influenced me.' "
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