Did Wanda Jackson Sing Country Music’s Greatest Feminist Anthem?
Nigel Smith
Posted On March 19, 2011
Until last week I thought my favourite song to mention a skillet was definitely by Woody Guthrie but listening to a Wanda Jackson compilation on my way to work reminded me that perhaps this is the greatest frying pan song ever written.
Wanda Jackson – My Big Iron Skillet
Whatever Tammy Wynette’s intention, songs like Stand By Your Man don’t help the argument that country music isn’t a genre where women know their place and that place is wherever men tell them to be.
But there’s a great tradition of country songs by women that show them not only standing up to men but telling fellas what’s what in no uncertain terms.
My Big Iron Skillet is definitely one of best of a list that includes Kitty Wells’ It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels and Loretta Lynn’s classic Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind).
Which got me thinking. If we were making a compilation, let’s call it A Feminist’s Introduction to Country Music, what should be on it? Do leave a comment below.
A version of this post appears on my blog Carnival Saloon with a link to an MP3 of the track.
Related Links
Carnival Saloon – my twang-heavy MP3 blog
