Wanda Jackson’s face has been popping up all over the place lately. Since OklahomaProxy-Connection: keep-alive Cache-Control: max-age=0 squo;s First Lady of Rockabilly released her new album, The Party Ain’t Over, in January, she has performed on the Late Show with David Letterman and Conan and at heralded music venues from New York City to Los Angeles. Everyone wants to hear the “Sweet Lady with the Nasty Voice.”
Tulsa’s Akdar Shriners and the Route 66 Cruisers Car Club of Claremore will host a night with Wanda Jackson and Oklahoma rockabilly band Bill Holden and the Nighthawks March 11 at the Robson Performing Arts Center in Claremore.
At 73, Jackson keeps the fringe a-swingin’ with her latest release. The album of 12 covers is produced by Jack White (of the belated White Stripes) and his Third Man/Nonesuch Records, and was recorded in the land of the Grand Ole Opry. Tracks on the album range from the pure rockabilly “Thunder on the Mountain” to a fantastic rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good.” The classic “Rum and Coca-Cola” is bound to make you smile.
White and the Third Man House Band backed the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee on the album and during performances and shows early in the tour, showing a touching deference to Jackson, whose music career spans more than six decades.
All this newfound attention is gaining a legion of new fans for Jackson and her signature rasp. The Party Ain’t Over reached 17 on the Top Rock Album chart. If you’re not yet a convert, her rousing live performance will likely push you over the edge.
Robson Performing Arts Center, 101 E. Stuart Roosa, Claremore. Tickets for the show are $20-$40, available by phone at 918.699.7390, 918.596.7111 and online at www.myticketoffice.com.
