Today marks the birthday of Wanda Jackson, born October 20, 1937, in Maud, Oklahoma. Widely recognized as a trailblazer in American music, Jackson helped shape the sound of rockabilly, country, and gospel across a career that spanned nearly seven decades.

Often referred to as the “Queen of Rockabilly,” Jackson was among the first women to break into the male-dominated world of rock and roll. Her first hit came in 1954 with the country single “You Can’t Have My Love,” recorded with Hank Thompson’s Brazos Valley Boys. Just a year later, she joined Elvis Presley on tour—a pivotal moment in her career. Presley encouraged her to explore the emerging rockabilly style, leading to a string of energetic, genre-defining singles in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including “Let’s Have a Party” and “Fujiyama Mama.”

Jackson’s versatility allowed her to move seamlessly between styles. She recorded country hits like “Right or Wrong” and “In the Middle of a Heartache,” and later turned her focus to gospel music following a personal religious transformation in the 1970s. Her influence continued into the 21st century, with collaborations alongside artists like Jack White and Joan Jett, and a 2009 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

🎶 Hear Her Legacy on KNCT You can hear Wanda Jackson’s unmistakable voice and vintage flair in the latest episode of Sock Hop Saturday Night with Bruce Vasbinder, available on-demand at myKNCT.com. A new episode airs every Saturday at 8 p.m. on KNCT, celebrating the golden age of rock and roll and the artists who helped define it.