Style Weekly
Richmond's alternative for news, arts, culture and opinion
The writer Nick Tosches memorably quipped that in Wanda Jackson's fiery '50s prime, you could practically fry eggs on her G spot. That was how hot and feral this long-legged Oklahoma rockabilly queen sounded in the days when she was Elvis Presley's female doppelganger. Jackson never achieved the King's sales, of course — Eisenhower's America wasn't ready for something like this — but she left behind an unparalleled discography on the Capitol label that redecorated the male-driven sanctuary of rockabilly as the exclusive bastion of the poodle-skirted bad girl. Jackson was a more complicated figure than all that — a devout Christian who quickly adapted to country music balladry after rockabilly had its day. But spurred on by revivalists, Jackson, now 73, has re-emerged to revisit the songs of her rowdy youth. Her latest project is a collaboration with Jack White of the White Stripes that promises to pull no punches. While not as spry as she once was, this indelible singer still has enough teasing vamps (“Hot Dog That Made Him Mad”), raucous rave-ups (“Mean Mean Man”) and out-and-out sonic A-bombs (“Fujiama Mama”) in her repertoire to ignite a party at any time. The legendary Queen of Rockabilly plays Shenanigans ON Feb. 13, with the Luster Kings. Show time is 8:30 p.m. $15. 264-5010.
Other Publications
