Wanda Lavonne Jackson was born October 20, 1937, in Maud, Oklahoma. As a musician, her father made certain Wanda studied guitar and piano chords.
While a student at Capitol Hill High School, Wanda performed over radio station KLPR. It was to become one of the most popular country music shows in Oklahoma City. The biggest break in Wanda's career was when she met country music legend Hank Thompson. She cut a demo tape at Thompson's studio and sent it to Capitol Records. Unsuccessful at Capitol, Hank sent the tape to Decca which signed her in 1954. Wanda recorded 15 country tracks for Decca, one of which, "You Can't Have My Love," a duet with Billy Gray, made the country top ten charts. This success prompted a call from The Grand Ole Opry for a guest performance.
In 1955, Wanda joined the "Ozark Jubilee," a TV show in Springfield, MO. While performing on the Jubilee from 1955-57, she toured with her father serving as her manager. While on tour, she met Elvis Presley. It was Elvis who advised Wanda to consider changing her style to the new rock and roll - or rockabilly. With the help of Jim Halsey, Wanda signed a contract with Capitol Records. Her second release was "Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad," which indicated her switch to rock and roll. In 1958, Wanda recorded "Fujiyama Mama." It was not a success in the U.S., but it became a monumental hit in Japan. This was the beginning of Wanda's influence on an international scale. She was truly an ambassador of American music. She was voted "Favorite Female Country Singer" in the Scandinavian countries.
For a decade, Wanda was a favorite on the Las Vegas nightclub scene with appearances at the Golden Nugget, Silver Nugget, and Show Boat. Wanda's bands included Bobby Poe and the Poe Kats, an integrated band with fellow Oklahoman Big Al Downing, and the Partytimers who were named after her hit record, "Let's Have a Party." Overall, Wanda charted 30 country hits from 1954 to 1974, and twice was nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female." In 1971, Wanda became a born-again Christian and with her husband, Wendall Goodman, started a successful career as a gospel singer. They still produce gospel recordings and play locally at revivals.
April 2009, Wanda will be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Today, Wanda and Wendall live in Oklahoma City and has two children.