Wanda Jackson: I Remember Elvis (2006)

Mike Perciaccante

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2002

Mike Perciaccante has been contributing to All About Jazz since 2002. He also contributes to many other magazines across the country.

Recent articles (116 total)

Published: March 16, 2006

Sometimes referred as the female Elvis Presley, often called the Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson was, and is, the first great female rocker. While dating Presley (yes, he was her boyfriend) and touring on the same bill in the mid 1950s, The King himself encouraged the young Jackson to mix country with jumpy rock 'n' roll—and the rest, as they say, is history. Fifty years later, this long overdue set serves as both the followup to 2003's Heart Trouble and a delayed but sincere and heartfelt thank you to Presley.

Jackson's backing band—guitarist Danny B. Harvey, bassist Razor X, pianist Don Randi, and Blondie drummer Clem Burke—is stellar. The singer covers thirteen songs associated with Elvis, most of whcih are from Presley's Sun days and the very early years of his tenure with RCA. This is a fantastic collection of songs, and Jackson does each and every one of them justice, especially "Heartbreak Hotel," "Good Rockin'Tonight," "Mystery Train," "Love Me Tender" and the autobiographical "I Wore Elvis' Ring."

Though the songs on I Remember Elvis are known to almost everyone on the planet, Jackson's personality, styling and phrasing shines through on this blistering, rocking, honky-tonking album. The collection also includes Jackson's spoken remembrances of Presley, rare photos, and insightful liner notes penned by Elvis Costello, who has led a campaign to get Jackson her long-overdue recognition and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Track Listing: Wanda Introduction; Good Rockin' Tonight; Blue Moon of Kentucky; Heartbreak Hotel; I Don't Care If the Sun Don't Shine; Trying to Get to You; Baby, Let's Play House; Give Me the Right; You're Right, I'm Left, He's Gone; Mystery Train; Ain't That Loving You Baby; I Forgot to Remember to Forget Him; I Wore Elvis' Ring; Too Much; Love Me Tender; Wanda Talks About Elvis.

Personnel: Wanda Jackson: vocals; Danny B. Harvey: guitar, background vocals; Racer X: standup bass; Don Randi: piano; Clem Burke: drums; John Would: lap steel guitar; Lynda Kay Parker: background vocals.

Record Label: Goldline Records
Style: Blues