Looking Back: Cordell Jackson’s Legacy

Cordell Jackson, often called “Guitar Granny,” was born in Mississippi in 1923. She began performing with her father’s band in the late 30’s, and moved on to writing and recording her own work in the 40’s. During this time, she moved to Memphis and became involved in the city’s sprawling music scene.

In 1956, Jackson founded Moon Records, on which she released her own music as well as that of other musicians. She also engineered, produced, and arranged music for herself and others, often “using her living room as her studio.” She is considered to be one of the first women to produce and release her own music on her own record label.

Though the early stages of her career focused promoting the work of others (all while simultaneously working in real estate), Jackson’s own music resurfaced in the mid-80’s when she began performing at clubs and conventions. After being featured in a Budweiser commercial in the 90’s, she appeared on many TV talkshows such as Arsenio Hall, Late Night with David Letterman, and Entertainment Tonight. Despite her age, Jackson continued performing and ripping up the scene into her 70’s — her last album, Live in Chicago, was released in 1997.

At a time when very few women were in the music scene, let alone working as engineers, producers, or label owners, Jackson was a pioneer for female musicians. Often performing in gaudy antebellum dresses, Jackson refused to apologize for her age or her gender, and has left a legacy as a major role model for women attempting to make their own way in male-dominated industries.

You can learn more about Jackson’s career and check out her music here.