Wanda Jackson chats with Kelly McCartney on Record Bin Radio on Apple Music about her groundbreaking, eight-decade career, Angaleena Presley joins Kelly to discuss Wanda’s massive influence and reach, and Kelly drops the needle on Wanda’s ‘Unfinished Business.’ Tune in and listen to the episode in-full on 31st October at 12pm PT / 2pm CT / 3pm ET or anytime on-demand here.
Wanda Jackson on her relationship with Elvis Presley
You know, we were girlfriend and boyfriend. Of course it was pretty different, we were on the road, so he didn’t come to my house and pick me up and so forth. And daddy didn’t let me go out much unless he went, but with Elvis he would. He knew he was a gentleman and…very nice manners and they got along real great.
Wanda Jackson on taking Elvis’s advice to selling records
He convinced me that the young people were the ones buying records now, not the adults so much. Young people were calling the radio stations and requesting, back when you could do that (laughs) on our radio stations. So it made sense, if you want to sell a lot of records, or just sell records, you better appeal to the young people. And daddy and I thought, “You know what, I’m sure he’s right.”
Wanda Jackson on Elvis’s influence on her and rock n roll
He was having so much fun on stage and I thought, “Boy that’s the way I’d like to feel on stage.” Free and flirty and have fun. He knew what he was talking about. He saw something in me. I think Elvis’s influence in rock n roll was an important one.
Wanda Jackson on Elvis’s “come-hither” eyes
I’ll never forget seeing his eyes in person (laughs). Those whatever you call ‘em eyes…’come hither’ (laughs). Look out Wanda….don’t do that! If daddy had only known, huh?
Wanda Jackson on coming up in a pre-Beyoncé world
Way before Beyoncé, I wanted fans in front of me so my fringe would blow and move (laughs). But that didn’t….I never got that either, so…
Wanda Jackson on her reputation
I’ve got a reputation that really isn’t a whole lot of me. But I like that reputation… So I go with it! (Laughs)
