Chattanooga Times Free Press entertainment reporter Casey Phillips spoke with rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson about lessons she learned from Elvis Presley, her collaboration with Jack White and why she needs someone around to push her.
CP: I read that you started hosting a daily radio show in high school back in 1952. That means this year marks your 60th as a performer. Does that milestone mean much to you? Has it been on your mind?
WJ: It was my own show, just a little 15-minute singing, me and my guitar and some commercials. Somebody put the pencil to it and figured it up, and I was shocked – six decades is a long time. I’m still going – so far anyway. [Laughs.[
CP: Is that surprising?
WJ: It’s been amazing to me and wonderful to experience. I wish every artist could see this, to see a younger generation excited about the songs they recorded 50 years ago. They know them and sing them along with me. After this album last year with Jack White, that really pushed me to the forefront working with him. It was a wonderful experience. My crowds are even larger. We’re filling up larger venues. I get a taste of being a star.