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.

There's a Party Going On
Wanda Jackson Lyrics

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Beefsteak Charly is a-throwing a feast
Right around the corner down the road East
And there's a party goin' on
Ooh, there's a party goin' on
We're gonna swing it, shake it, make it
Shimmy till the break of dawn
Now everybody grab your Sunday best
Let's make it on down to Charly's nest

'Cause there's a party goin' on
Ooh, there's a party goin' on
We're gonna swing it, shake it, make it
Shimmy till the break of dawn
Well, you betcha yeah!
So grab your shoes and baby grab your mink
And leave those dishes on the kitchen sink
'Cause there's a party goin' on
Ooh, there's a party goin' on
We're gonna swing it, shake it, make it
Shimmy till the break of dawn
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
You don't need a rocket to take you into space
Just make it down to Charly's, he's a-saving you a place
'Cause there's a party goin' on
Ooh, there's a party goin' on
We're gonna swing it, shake it, make it
Shimmy till the break of dawn

We're gonna swing it, shake it, make it
Shimmy till the break of dawn

Overall Meaning

"There's a Party Goin' On," by Wanda Jackson, is a classic rockabilly song that captures the excitement and energy of a wild party. The song begins with the lyrics "Beefsteak Charly is a-throwing a feast, right around the corner down the road East." This sets the scene for the party that is about to take place. The singer encourages all listeners to grab their Sunday best and head over to Charly's nest, because "there's a party goin' on." The rhythm and beat of the song are infectious, encouraging all attendees to "swing it, shake it, make it, shimmy till the break of dawn." The singer encourages listeners to leave their responsibilities behind, telling them to "leave those dishes on the kitchen sink" and join in on the fun.

The party described in the song is not just any party, it is a memorable one. The singer describes it as a "feast" and encourages listeners to join in on the celebration. The repeated use of the phrase "there's a party goin' on" creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, as if there is something truly extraordinary happening.

One possible interpretation of the song is that it is about the importance of taking a break from the responsibilities of everyday life and enjoying oneself. The singer encourages listeners to let loose and forget their worries for the night, reminding them that "you don't need a rocket to take you into space, just make it down to Charly's, he's a-saving you a place."

Overall, "There's a Party Goin' On" is a classic rockabilly song that captures the wild, carefree spirit of a night out. Its infectious rhythm and memorable lyrics have made it a favorite of partygoers for decades.

Line by Line Meaning

Beefsteak Charly is a-throwing a feast
Beefsteak Charly is hosting a big meal

Right around the corner down the road East
It's nearby

And there's a party goin' on
There's a celebration happening

Ooh, there's a party goin' on
It's a really good party

We're gonna swing it, shake it, make it
We're going to dance

Shimmy till the break of dawn
We're going to dance all night

Now everybody grab your Sunday best
Dress up fancy

Let's make it on down to Charly's nest
Let's go to Beefsteak Charly's place

'Cause there's a party goin' on
There's a celebration happening

Well, you betcha yeah!
Absolutely!

So grab your shoes and baby grab your mink
Put on your shoes and coat