Calvin Gilbert's "Wanda Jackson Remains Rockabilly's First Lady" lets the First Lady of Rockabilly tell, among several stories, one about the difficulties her band encountered while touring with vocalist/pianist Big Al Dowling four decades ago.
Hiding under blankets and smuggling food was part of the routine, but Jackson recalls that subterfuge wasn't an option on one memorable Montana club date: "The guys started playing and then I came out. Then out came the manager or the owner. He called me over to the side and said, 'The black guy's gotta go. We can't have him on the stage or in the club.' I looked at my band and said, 'Well, OK. Start packing it up, guys. We're leaving.' The owner said, 'No, not all of you. Just the black guy.' I said, 'No, he's my piano player. If he doesn't play, I don't sing.' [...] It caused some problems, but nothing really major. But if they wanted me, then they had to take Al. It was that simple. I mean, what part of that do you not understand?"
posted in articles on December 18, 2003 5:07 AM | t (0)
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