VOA常速英语:Don't Count Out Wanda Jackson

Singer Wanda Jackson shared the stage with Elvis Presley in the 1950s and young rockers still cite the rockabilly star as a major influence. And Jackson’s new CD shows she’s got a lot of “Unfinished Business” to attend to.

Wanda Jackson is celebrating her 75th birthday in a style befitting a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: by releasing a brand record.

“Unfinished Business” is her 31st CD. It kicks off with the scorching “Tore Down,” originally recorded by Texas Bluesman Freddie King. Knowing that her age is a major topic of discussion, Jackson says this album tells the world that “I’m not through yet, so don’t count me out.” And you’d be silly to do so.

At an age when most performers are slowing down, Jackson has spent the past two years: recording an album with Jack White; as the opening act on Adele’s 2011 summer tour; performing at Bonnaroo and other rock festivals; and then recording “Unfinished Business” with Justin Townes Earle producing. Jackson sings one of Earle’s songs on her new disc: “What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome.” It’s a track you might recognize from Justin’s 2008 disc “The Good Life.”

The junior Earle isn’t the only one of that musical family to have a cut on Jackson’s new CD - she also chose to sing one of Steve Earle’s originals. “The Graveyard Shift” dates back to “The Mountain,” Steve’s 1999 bluegrass recording with The Del McCoury band.

Jackson says she’s committed to keeping up her touring schedule. Unlike some artists who tour seasonally, she works 12 months a year, every year. And she’s not just touring in the United States - Jackson is currently in the middle of a three-week tour around Europe and has a steady stream of dates in the U.S. through the rest of this year.

But that’s not all - Jackson will soon be the subject of a feature film based on a career that started when she was a teenaged country star. At least that’s the plan, according to news reports she has already met with a producer and screenwriter interested in her life story. It won’t be the first time Jackson’s career has played out in film. A 2008 documentary called “The Sweet Lady With The Nasty voice” already chronicled her true life and times.

If you’d like to find out more about this singer, her incredible life and where she’s headed next, just head over to WandaJackson.com. Don’t forget to check out all the brand new and vintage video clips while you’re there!