When NOW talked with Wanda Jackson a few months ago, the 72-year-old country and rock ‘n roll legend made no indication she would be making a new album in the near future, let alone possibly the biggest record of her Hall of Fame career.
Jackson revealed to the Oklahoman recently that’s she will travel to Nashville to work with Jack White at his exclusive Third Man Studios, drawing immediate comparison to White’s successful work with Loretta Lynn on 2004’s Van Lear Rose.
White hasn’t produced a major artist outside of his various bands since he pumped new life into Lynn’s career on that crossover record, and whether he can repeat the magic remains to be seen. But the real question will be what he can get out of Jackson. She told to the Oklahoman “he’s gonna stretch me some,” indicating she prepared to go outside her comfort zone and trust White. The collaboration has potential for brilliance.
When we talked with Jackson, who makes regular visits to Toronto to play at the Cadillac Lounge, a Queen West staple that saught out the singer and has since built a family-like relationship with her and her husband/manager, she said there were no plans to record again because touring kept her so busy. However, if Jack White sends you a studio invite…
White has turned down countless major production offers since Van Lear Rose, frequently citing his inability completely absorb himself into the project the same way he did for Lynn. White often said in interviews making that record left him physically and emotionally exhausted and somewhat hesitant to repeat the experience.
In many ways Jackson presents an even greater challenge to White than Lynn’s record. Though Jackson, who is often credited as the first woman of rock ‘n roll, is without question a living legend, her audience has become niche over the years, championed mostly among rockabilly and classic country aficionados. Lynn was still on the Nashville establishment’s radar when White powered her comeback.
White’s association will expose Jackson to new, mainstream audiences and whether they come up with something that captures the public’s attention is an intriguing prospect. The smart money is on White to find that greatness still left in Jackson.[rssbreak]
