Sweet Lady with a Nasty Voice

Joanne Fish and Vincent Kralyevich:
Wanda Jackson: Sweet Lady with a Nasty Voice (USA, 2007)
70 min - Beta - English.
Production: Kralyevich Productions, Inc

Wanda Jackson, born in Oklahoma 1937, is often called the "queen of rockabilly" and widely regarded as the first female rock 'n' roll singer. She was still in high school when country star Hank Thompson invited her to record with him on the Decca label in 1954. She dated up-and-coming singer Elvis Presley, who encouraged her to move away from country music and try rock 'n' roll. Jackson soon began touring with Elvis, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis.

She became famed for her distinctive, growling voice and fun songs "Let's Have a Party," "Fujiyama Mama" and "Mean Mean Man."

The documentary also traces her influence on country music, including her string of hits and her decision to trade in her cowgirl hat and boots for spaghetti strap dresses and high heels; her longtime marriage to her manager Wendell Goodman; her conversion to Christianity and the gospel genre; and the challenges of raising two children amidst a music career.

The camera crew followed Jackson on her 2005 U.S. and European tours, as she was performing in support of her album, "I Remember Elvis." The documentary mixes archive footage with new material, illustrating how Jackson has built in recent years a new following, especially overseas.

Interviews with rockers Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, Elvis Costello and Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom add star power and emphasize Jackson's lasting contributions to music.

 


Joanne Fish and Vincent Kralyevich

Independent filmmakers Joanne Fish lives in Hollywood and Vincent "Vinnie" Kralyevich works in New York. Together they have co-produced and directed the document Wanda Jackson: The Sweet Lady with the Nasty Voice. KPI - short for Kralyevich Productions, was founded by Vincent Kralyevich in 1994. Since then, the Company has grown into a diversified broadcast media and entertainment company with a trusted roster of producers, writers, cinematographers, editors and animators.

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