Wanda Jackson (born Wanda Lavonne Jackson, October 20, 1937 in Maud, Oklaho… Read Full Bio ↴Wanda Jackson (born Wanda Lavonne Jackson, October 20, 1937 in Maud, Oklahoma) is an American rock and roll singer. Having made her debut recordings at the age of nineteen, she became one of the first popular female rock and roll singers in history and as a result, a pioneering and influential figure in female musicianship. She is known as the "Queen (or First Lady) of Rockabilly."

Jackson was still in high school when country singer Hank Thompson heard her sing on an Oklahoma City radio show and asked her to record with his band in 1954. She dated Elvis Presley, who encouraged her to step away from the country-tinged gospel she had been performing since childhood and try her hand at rock and roll. She developed her own distinctive voice and performed in a variety of styles, from folksy traditional tunes to country twang and high yodels to throaty, suggestive ballads. She was a prolific singer of songs with wry lyrics such as "Fujiyama Mama," which contained many references to the World War II bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; ironically, it became a #1 hit in Japan. Her biggest hit was 1959's "Let's Have a Party."

Jackson achieved great and continuing success throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, but has never found the same level of fame in her native United States. She toured with rock and roll pioneers such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly. She has been nominated for two Grammys, and has been awarded the Oklahoma Native Daughter Award. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the International Hall of Fame, the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and the German Country Music Hall of Fame, and in 2009 was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence.

A born-again Christian, Jackson and her husband/manager Wendell Goodman abandoned rock and roll in 1971 and spent the next 25 years performing gospel in churches.

In 1996, Jackson was invited by alt-country singer Rosie Flores to duet with her on an upcoming album. The two were so pleased with the results that Jackson joined Flores on a handful of promotional club dates which were soon extended into a five-week North American tour. Jackson, plesantly surprised to discover that she and her songs were known by a generation of rockabilly fans her grandchildren's age, soon assembled her own band and returned to clubs and festivals, where she continues to perform.

In recent years Jackson has recorded with such artists as The Cramps, Lee Rocker, Dave Alvin, and Elvis Costello. 2006 saw the release of a new Jackson album, I Remember Elvis.

In 2009, it was announced that Jackson would start work on new recordings with Jack White. The resulting album, The Party Ain't Over, was released on January 25, 2011. It included a cover of the Bob Dylan rockabilly song, "Thunder on the Mountain" and the Amy Winehouse song "You Know I'm No Good". On January 20, 2011, she performed with Jack White on The Late Show With David Letterman and again on January 25, 2011, on Conan.

Sweet Nothin's
Wanda Jackson Lyrics

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SWEET NOTHIN'S
Writers Ronnie Self, Dub Albritton sweet nothin's

(whispering) Uh Huh Honey (whispering) Alright My baby whispers in my ear Umm sweet nothin's He knows the things I like to hear Umm sweet nothin's Things he wouldn't tell Nobody else Secret baby I keep them to myself Umm sweet nothin's We walk along hand in hand Umm sweet nothin's sweet nothin's Yeah we both understand Umm sweet nothin's Sitting in classroom trying to read my book My baby give me that special look sweet nothin's sweet nothin's Umm sweet nothin's Ah sitting on my front porch Umm sweet nothin's Well do I love you, of course Umm sweet nothin's Mama turned on the front porch light Saying "Come here darling that' enough for tonight sweet nothin's Umm sweet nothin's sweet nothin's

Overall Meaning

The song "Sweet Nothin's" by Wanda Jackson is a sweet and romantic tune that describes a couple's intimate and affectionate moments. The lyrics are about the singer's lover whispering sweet nothings into her ear that nobody else knows about. The singer enjoys hearing these secret words of affection and holds them to herself. The couple walks hand in hand together and understands each other's desires. Even when the singer is studying in a classroom, her lover gives her a special look that she finds irresistible. The song ends with the couple sitting on the front porch, and the singer's mother turning on the porch light, signaling the end of the night.

The lyrics of "Sweet Nothin's" are simple but sweet, celebrating young love and the joy of being with someone special. Wanda Jackson's raspy voice and the melodic rockabilly tune complement the romantic mood of the song. The song became an instant hit in 1960, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. It also reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart. "Sweet Nothin's" is one of Wanda Jackson's most famous and enduring songs and has been covered by several artists over the years, including Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley.

Line by Line Meaning

(whispering) Uh Huh Honey
My baby is acknowledging what I'm saying

(whispering) Alright
My baby is agreeing with what I'm saying

My baby whispers in my ear
My partner is telling me something softly