Right Or Wrong

Album: Let's Have A Party: The Very Best Of Wanda Jackson (1961)
Charted: 29
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Recorded in Nashville's Bradley Film and Recording Studio on October 28, 1960, "Right Or Wrong" marked one of Wanda Jackson's first sessions in the country music capital. Produced by Ken Nelson, the song finds Jackson in a devoted headspace, vowing to stand by her man "right or wrong." This shift toward a more conservative theme contrasted with Jackson's earlier, more rebellious material, such as "Fujiyama Mama" and "Hard Headed Woman."
  • Released as a single in 1961, "Right Or Wrong" had a respectable chart performance, reaching #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it's the single's B-side, "Funnel Of Love," that aged well and is now considered one of Jackson's most celebrated recordings.
  • "Right Or Wrong" was a turning point for Jackson. Following a string of rock and roll-tinged singles in the late 1950s, it signaled a return to mainstream country music. In the book Finding Her Voice: Women in Country Music by Mary A. Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann, Jackson reflected on this shift, noting: "Country music began comin' back, and I had written a ballad called 'Right or Wrong' and it became a big hit. I think that when I went back to country I lost my rock and roll fans."
  • "Right Or Wrong" made an appearance in a 2009 episode of HBO's fantasy drama series True Blood. It plays in season 2, episode 9, "I Will Rise Up," during the scene where Jessica Hamby meets Hoyt Fortenberry's mother.
  • In 1964, American pop singer Ronnie Dove released a cover of "Right Or Wrong." According to Dove, Elvis Presley sat in on the recording at RCA Studio B in Nashville, and even suggested that Dove add the famous high note at the end of the song. Dove's version went on to outperform Jackson's original on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #14.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-Nighters

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.