Wanda Jackson Celebrates Her 70th by Rockin' the Cadillac Lounge

Posted by Tanja
Filed in Music
October 20, 2007

Wanda Jackson rocks the Cadillac Lounge in Toronto
In the middle of a North American tour that'd tire a 17-year-old, the Queen of Rockabilly, Ms Wanda Jackson showed no sign of slowing down as she celebrated her 70th birthday on stage at the Cadillac Lounge last night.

This was the first of two back-to-back shows Wanda is playing at the Caddy (the heart of all things rockabilly in Toronto) and she held nothing back for the Friday show. In return, she was welcomed by balloons and tributes, a surprise audience rendition of Happy Birthday when the clock struck midnight and even some Cadillac birthday cake when she returned to the stage for an encore.

When I wasn't rippin' it up (as Wanda would say) on my barstool, I (as usual) was snapping some photos. Here are some highlights from the show:

Wanda Jackson at the Cadillac Lounge

Wanda Jackson at the Cadillac Lounge
On guitar or shakin' a chicken with microphone in hand, Wanda played all her hits, along with some rock n roll standards made famous by Jerry Lee Lewis and, of course, Elvis Presley.

Wanda Jackson at the Cadillac Lounge

In between it all, there were plenty of stories about her days touring with (and dating) Elvis, breaking ground in rock n roll when there were no other women doing it, and even jokes about how on earth she went #1 in Japan.

Wanda Jackson at the Cadillac Lounge

Wanda thanked the younger generation for the newfound success of her b-side track, Funnel of Love. It's grown wildly popular in recent years, making it's way onto the radio and into soundtracks for movies like, But I'm a Cheerleader.

Wanda Jackson at the Cadillac Lounge

Wanda Jackson at the Cadillac Lounge

Then, yes, there was the birthday cake, candles and the aforementioned singing -- which was impressively in key for a midnight bar crowd.

Wanda and her surprise birthday cake...

Wanda blows out the candles before her encore.

Wanda Jackson and the Caddy's, Sam Grosso

Pictured here, Cadillac Lounge owner, Sam Grosso, wishes Wanda a happy birthday before she leaves the stage to sign CD's and 8x10's (oldschool goodness) out on the back patio.

Wanda Jackson signing autographs

If you didn't squeeze your way into the packed show last night, tonight is all about second chances.

Tickets are $25 at the door. I'd recommend getting there early if you want to be able to see the Queen.

Beth Hamill on October 20, 2007 at 1:04 PM

Aww, I almost went to this, but was (am) too poor. Lovely photos Tanja, looks like she still rocks it after all those years. This is what I wish for when I hit 70!

Jayson Sloane on October 20, 2007 at 4:46 PM

Hi! Sam
And how are you?
And it's very nice pictures and I did injoy Wanda Jackson concert last night and also till Wanda Jackson I did send pic's from Jayson

Cadillac Courchene on December 8, 2007 at 12:05 PM

Thanks to you I've been singing country with a band since I was 14, I,m now 54 and still getting encore requests---my latest CD will be released next week and I will be sending a copy to you and Wendell! I'ts a tribute to Merle, Johnny and of course Elvis! A TASTE OF MEMPHIS--when you see the pix you will also see the tribute !!!!! CADILLAC from Wolf Point,Montana 406-650-4636

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