The Queen of Rockabilly comes to Drive Invasion
September 1st, 2009 by James Kelly in Music news, Random BitsSometimes things happen that just seem right, such as the decision to bring Rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson to Drive Invasion 2009. What better way to celebrate the Sunday before Labor Day than in a hot parking lot with over 3000 of your closest friends, a slew of fancy hot rod cars, AND the “Female Elvis”? In a recent phone interview, Jackson says, “I think I played a drive in theater a few times in the 50s, and the stage was on the roof of the concession stand.”
Jackson is always a big hit at the many rockabilly revivals she participates in around the world. She sees the continued popularity of rockabilly as a unique phenomenon. “Rockabilly takes in a whole lifestyle,” she says. “It seems to take people back to a time when the music was fresh and simple, and for some reason they desire that simpler, slow paced lifestyle.” After many years as a Gospel singer, Jackson found an audience in Europe over 20 years ago that wanted her to revive her rockabilly songs. She noticed a big difference between European audiences and American audiences back then, but the gap has since closed. “I started playing rockabilly revival events in Scandinavia in 1985, and it seemed like it never died out over there like it did in the states. The Europeans were more appreciative and loyal to the music, and would ask me very detailed questions like ‘Who played lead guitar on that track?’… things I didn’t remember!” she laughs. “Now the young Americans are catching up, and paying attention to the details.”
A member of Rockabilly, Oklahoma, Country Music, and the Gospel Music Halls Of Fame, and now a recent entry as an “Early Influence” in the Rock & Roll HOF, Jackson has received honors in just about every possible category for which she is eligible. “The ‘Early Influence’ category is a perfect place for me, since I never really had a smash hit or big #1 song. But this shows that my influence on other acts is far reaching, which many of them have told me over the years.”
Whether in smoky bars or huge outdoor festivals with wild crowds, Jackson usually takes a brief moment during each performance to reflect on her faith and witness to the audience. “I have played a few places where the Lord told me I did not need to testify that night. I never know what sort of venues or crowd I will be playing to. Most of the time my audiences are attentive and respectful, and I have a free hand to say what the Lord has done for me. I usually follow up with “I Saw The Light,” which is a fun song that folks can clap to or sing along.”
Even at the tender age of 71, Jackson can still rock with the best of them, and her touring schedule is even busier these days than it was when she was younger. Once she opens her mouth to sing, it’s clear that she still delivers the goods. But without her own band, she relies on either her opening acts or local musicians to back her up. With all her years in the business, she has a firm idea of what makes the shows work. “I had my own band for 12 years, so I know what I need. I totally rely on the back-up band, and if they don’t go over the songs and rehearse them, it makes it hard on me. It’s easier if they know the songs and the unique licks in each one.”
Jackson goes out of her way to make every show memorable for her audiences, and as she says, “I remember something my Dad told me, if you have fun on stage, the audience will have fun.”
Drive Invasion. $5-$28. 11a.m. Sun., Sept. 6. Starlight Six Drive-In. 2000 Moreland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-627-5786.
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