If you remember watching Town Hall Party then you might remember some of the incredible performers who graced its stage. The show was on air from 1952 to 1962 and featured a wealth of country stars that later became hugely famous. A 21-year-old Wanda Jackson showed her stuff on the show in a fringe dress designed by her mother. During this era, Jackson sometimes toured with the great Elvis Presley and she even dated him for a short time! But, even though she already had her own radio show, it would be few more years before her version of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” would earn her a Grammy.

Watch as Jackson belts it out in this 1958 clip from the show in which she performs “Hard-headed Woman,” a song which had been a hit for Presley that same year. She really holds nothing back, showing just how funny and sweet and boisterous she really could be all in one performance! And be sure to check Johnny Cash performing on the same show doing a lively impersonation of Elvis right here!

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