Teenage Wanda Jackson , inspired by the spunky Western-accented sounds of Bob Wills and Hank Thompson, began her career as a country singer in the 1950s. After high school, she began to tour, often sharing the stage with Elvis Presley, who encouraged his young friend to pursue this new thing, ... Continue reading Hail to the Queen (SF Weekly) »

Gram Parsons "Gram existed on a different plane." Emmy Lou Harris For: If you like alt-country or the mainstream variety. Influenced by: Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Bob Wills, Hank Williams Sr., Roy Acuff, the Kingston Trio, Merle Haggard. Influenced: Wilco, contemporary country music artists, Neko Case, Elvis Costello. Continue reading Classic rock 101: why dad’s music matters (The Western Courier) »