The following is from Rent Party:
On Friday, December 9th, The Woodland’s Rent Party will feature Wanda Jackson with guest Li’l Mo and The Monocats. Wanda Jackson is known to many as the Queen of Rockabilly and First Lady of Rock’n’Roll. Says Rent Party founder Chris Dickson, “Anytime that you get to meet someone who has had the kind of career Miss Wanda has, it’s a pretty big deal. The fact that Wanda has a direct connection to Elvis Presley is very cool.”
Doors will open at 7 PM and Li’l Mo & The Monicats will be the opening act. Jackson will be backed by her long-time band, The Luster Kings. Tickets are $30 and should be purchased on-line at www.brownpapertickets.com
The Oklahoma native got her start on a radio show when she was still in high school. Jackson’s discovery can be credited to Western Swing singer, Hank Thompson. He heard Jackson’s young gravely voice and asked her to perform with him and his backing band, the Brazos Valley Boys. After high school, Jackson was placed on a tour with Elvis Presley. She cites Elvis as the one who pushed her into rockabilly. Jackson’s career continued to skyrocket through the 1960s, with several top country hits and two Grammy nominations.
In the mid 1990s, Jackson returned to her rockabilly roots with several duets with rockabilly singer, Rosie Flores. In 2003, Jackson released her first studio album since 1987, “Heart Trouble.” The sixteen track album featured guest appearances by Elvis Costello, The Cramps and Rosie Flores. This began the resurgence of Jackson’s rockabilly career.
In 2009, Jackson was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an early influence. In 2011, Jackson released her 30th studio album, “The Party Ain’t Over,” under Third Man Records with White Stripes’ frontman, Jack White as the producer. Justin Townes Earl produced Jackson’s 31st studio album, “Unfinished Business,” which was released in 2013.
Rent Party is a once-a-month live music event at The Woodland. The proceeds from these shows help fight hunger in Maplewood-South Orange. Rent Party is a 501(c)(3). For more information, visit www.rentpartylive.com
