Wanda Jackson Issue #27

I Remember Elvis (Goldenlane)

By Charlotte Robinson
Published: March 1st, 2006 | 12:00am

The most surprising thing about Wanda Jackson recording a tribute to Elvis Presley is how long it took. Jackson, one of the first and best female rockabilly singers, met the King when the two appeared on the same bill in July 1955. It was Presley who encouraged the Oklahoma-born singer, who was strictly performing country songs at the time, to try the new style. Jackson turned out to be a natural, and although she also has recorded country and gospel material, she is still best known for rockabilly hits like "Fujiyama Mama" and "Let's Have a Party."

Now 68 and a grandmother of four, Jackson still sounds great even if she doesn't growl quite as viciously as she did in the ’50s. As you might expect, Jackson bypasses the jumpsuit-era Elvis material in favor of his early songs, including several sides he recorded for the famous Sun label. The material suits her perfectly, and hearing it again will remind listeners of how fresh and exciting Presley’s early work was. Backed by a tight band that includes Blondie drummer Clem Burke, Jackson covers classics like "Love Me Tender" and "Heartbreak Hotel," plus rockabilly rave-ups like "Baby, Let's Play House" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky." She also contributes the original composition "I Wore Elvis’ Ring," a sentimental recollection of the pair’s time as sweethearts, and shares her memories of Presley on the spoken closing track.

I Remember Elvis is clearly a labor of love for Jackson, but for her fans, it’s rollicking fun.