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I would like to know about Wanda Jackson.
—Vernon B., Tennessee

The rockabilly princess, who growled the 1960 hit song Let’s Have a Party, has a new album called Heart Trouble that features guest artists Elvis Costello, Rosie Flores and Dave Alvin. A native of Maud, Okla., (pop. 1,136) Jackson has been singing and performing since she was a child. “My mother used to ask me to go outside a little while and play with somebody because I was getting on her nerves singing and playing the piano,” she recalls with a laugh. She started out as a country music artist, until Elvis Presley told her she should try rock ’n’ roll. She recorded both country and rock hits over the years, concentrated on gospel music in the ’70s and never stopped performing. Rockabilly revivalist Rosie Flores asked Jackson to sing on her album in 1985. That led to a wildly successful tour across the United States and new recognition for Jackson, 66. “I thought I’d be slowing down. Instead I’m enjoying this big revival in America and I’m basking in all this glory and enjoying it.” She and her husband live in Oklahoma City, where she can be close to her two children and four grandchildren.

What is TV personality Nancy O’Dell doing now?
—Ken D., Nevada

Best known for being co-anchor of Access Hollywood, O’Dell is just beginning her second season as host of Nashville Star, USA Network’s country music talent contest that airs on Saturday nights. “The main difference between Nashville Star and Access Hollywood is that Nashville Star is live!” she says. “That gets the adrenaline going, and Nashville Star is not scripted, so there are great unplanned moments and an opportunity to play and interact more.” Her favorite part about the show? “The country music, of course! I grew up in South Carolina, so I am a huge fan of country music. Also, I love the fact that all of the contestants are songwriters as well as singers. What credibility that gives them.” In addition to hosting Access Hollywood and Nashville Star, the Clemson University graduate contributes to NBC News’ Today show and Dateline and hosts numerous awards shows surrounding the Emmys and Golden Globes. The award-winning journalist began her career at WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and worked at stations in Charleston, S.C., and Miami. “In my spare time, which there is not much right now, I love to play tennis and basketball,” she says. “I grew up on the beach, so I enjoy sitting on the California beaches while doing a good crosswood puzzle with my boyfriend.”

I was a teenager in the late 1940s and Gisele MacKenzie was my favorite female singer. I would appreciate anything you could tell me about her.
—Arthur W., Arkansas

The singer/actress who made a name for herself on the TV show Your Hit Parade died in September 2003 at age 76. MacKenzie, born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada, showed an affinity for music as a child. She sang, played the violin and the piano, and studied music formally at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto. She had her own radio show with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. by age 19, and soon thereafter moved to Hollywood. She immediately found work at radio, eventually landing a spot as a featured singer on The Mario Lanza Show. Jack Benny became a fan, and she appeared regularly on his TV show in the early 1950s. He recommended her for the show Your Hit Parade, which featured a cast of singers performing the top pop songs of the day. MacKenzie had her own hit, Hard To Get, in 1955. She continued to perform through the years, appearing on TV shows such as Murder, She Wrote and Boy Meets World. Married and divorced twice, she is survived by her daughter, Gigi, and son, Mac.

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