Title: Jackie DeShannon’s Musical Legacy Finally Gets its Due Acknowledgment
Renowned artist Jackie DeShannon, whose remarkable career and influential contributions to music history often remain overlooked beyond her two hit songs, “What the World Needs Now is Love” and “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” is finally garnering the recognition she deserves. With connections to musical giants such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Page, and the Wrecking Crew, DeShannon’s impact on the industry spans various genres and generations.
Despite her immense talent, DeShannon’s journey to success was not without obstacles. As a female artist in the industry during that era, she faced limitations, often having her ideas for producing and arranging her own material dismissed. Nonetheless, she persevered and achieved both success and recognition, even opening for the Beatles during their first American tour in 1964.
DeShannon’s musical abilities were nurtured from a young age, growing up in a family immersed in music. With her father and uncle forming a band and being surrounded by fiddles and guitars, her love for country-blues and R&B developed early on. Inspired by Eddie Cochran, DeShannon embarked on her career in 1960 by moving to Los Angeles and adopting the stage name Jackie DeShannon. Collaborating with Sharon Sheeley as her early writing partner helped shape her musical style.
Recently, a treasure trove of DeShannon’s early recordings as a child singer was released, giving fans a glimpse into her talent and early influences. The collection, titled The Sherry Lee Show, adds another dimension to DeShannon’s already impressive repertoire.
DeShannon’s breakthrough hit, “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” initially rejected by Dionne Warwick, marked a turning point in her career and catapulted her into the limelight. Not resting on her laurels, DeShannon’s album Laurel Canyon captured the essence of the budding Los Angeles music scene, showcasing her soulful sound and cementing her place in music history.
Reflecting on her journey, DeShannon remains grateful and content with the success she has achieved. She is pleased that her contributions to the industry are finally receiving wider recognition, with the release of her early recordings and upcoming projects. DeShannon also acknowledges the positive changes for women in the music business and celebrates the opportunities that have emerged.
As the musical world pays homage to Jackie DeShannon’s extraordinary career, it is evident that her impact extends far beyond her popular hits. Her versatility, resilience, and ability to span multiple genres have left an indelible mark on music history. With a newfound appreciation for her full body of work, DeShannon’s legacy as a trailblazer and icon of the industry is finally being celebrated.
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