# Wanda Jackson: Rockabilly Royalty

> Wanda Jackson, born in Oklahoma in 1937, became rockabilly royalty after Elvis Presley’s advice.
- Title: Wanda Jackson: Rockabilly Royalty · American Songwriter
- Summary: Wanda Jackson, born in Oklahoma in 1937, became rockabilly royalty after Elvis Presley’s advice.
- Keywords: wanda jackson, elvis presley, rockabilly, country music, oklahoma, capitol records, gospel music, music, culture, Wanda, Jackson, Royalty
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/born-89-years-ago-in-the-sooner-state-the-country-music-trailblazer-who-became-rockabilly-royalty-after-taking-elvis-presleys-advice
- Author: Clayton Edwards
- Published: 2026-10-20T14:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wanda jackson, elvis presley, rockabilly, country music, oklahoma, capitol records, gospel music, music, culture
## Wanda Jackson's Birth and Early Life
Wanda Jackson was born in Maud, Oklahoma on October 20, 1937.
## Early Musical Influences
Her father gave her her first guitar at age six after discovering western swing.
## Radio Show Debut
She started a radio show before graduating from high school.
## Elvis Presley's Influence
Elvis Presley convinced her to perform rockabilly after their tour together.
## Career Success
She released a country hit single in 1954 and returned to country music in the 1960s.
## Key takeaway

Wanda Jackson, born in Oklahoma in 1937, became rockabilly royalty after Elvis Presley’s advice.