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Wanda Jackson Overcomes Blizzard to Play New York Gig

Wanda Jackson"We love you, Wanda!" a young woman shouted plaintively from the back of the packed room at Thursday night's Wanda Jackson show at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, N.Y. The 72 year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer smiled, a bit surprised and moved at the same time. In a flash, the moment was gone as she and the Lustre Kings kicked into high gear with 'Funnel of Love,' a song she recorded in 2003 with the Cramps. The mostly young 20 and 30-something crowd roared like it was 1959.

A lot of music history has passed under the bridge since Jackson first started wowing audiences back in the '50s. Rock 'n' roll has gone from teen party music to art house respectability and back again. It's gone from recording on analog tape machines the size of a small car to digital hard drives that fit in your hand, and from 45s to cassingles to iTunes. The irony wasn't lost on Jackson, who took the time to search out one of her new 7" vinyl singles -- recently released on Jack White's Third Man Records -- from a front-row fan and hold it up for all to see in a moment of well-earned pride and humble amazement.

Again and again, the audience showed their love and respect for the Queen of Rockabilly as she moved through her greatest hits. 'Hard-Headed Woman,' 'Fujiyama Mama' and 'Let's Have a Party' were all greeted with dancing and word-for-word sing-alongs from the assembled. But, it was 'Riot in Cell Block 9' that tore the roof off, making it abundantly clear why "this music," as she calls it, means so much to so many -- it's a lot of fun. And, to think, this particular show almost didn't happen.

Due to the Blizzard of 2010, Jackson arrived at the Knitting Factory a good hour and a half past the scheduled show start. She went straight from the airport to the stage without a rehearsal and nary a hello to the band. While waiting, the Albany-based Lustre Kings kept the house rocking and assured everyone that Jackson was indeed on her way. The anticipation was palpable. By the time Jackson walked onstage in her red sequined outfit, it was as conquering hero and rock 'n' roll legend.

Near the end of the show, Jackson looked out at the longtime fans and the newly-acquired ones, the curious and the doubtful, and said, "I"m doing what I love. I'm very lucky." As are we, for being there when you do what you love, Wanda.

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Scott

Seen her at Viva Las Vegas before and she still brings it. Never seems to be going through the motions. I'll see her again this year Easter weekend at the Orleans for Viva.

February 15 2010 at 5:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
C C RYDER 39

the good only get better and the great greater rock on the one and only pink lady

February 15 2010 at 4:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
joe

she is very cool a great singer keep up the good work. joetheshakerRBLEG

February 15 2010 at 12:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dan Andersen

You people in New York City were lucky to see her. I am going to Vegas the first week of April to see her perform. I have been a huge fan of hers since the late 60's. I seen her last year on TV, I think it was the Marty Stewart show, couldn't believe how good she sounded. I can't wait to see her in Vegas.

February 14 2010 at 8:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
worleyc62

wish I could have been there "Cool Love"

February 14 2010 at 7:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Phillip Pipkin

Miss Wanda Jackson is an ALL TIME GREAT and always will be. I just wished she would do a GOSPEL CD. My wife and I have almost all of Miss Wanda's songs. I pray that She keeps going.

February 14 2010 at 4:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Coco

I had a blast and was honored to be in the audience. I can't believe I got to dance to these songs LIVE! Funnel of Love- swoon so romantic.

February 12 2010 at 10:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
i pop

she was such an inspiration last night, what a feisty lady ! she threw some water at the 'muscle fan' after she had asked him to open the bottle for her. thanks for writing and telling others about it!

February 12 2010 at 3:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply