Like Carole King, who also became known for writing hit songs for other people before embarking on a performing career for herself, Jackie DeShannon was one of the most successful writers of the time and was a trailblazer for all the female singer-songwriters that would come after.
Countless artists have covered her songs (which number over 700), such as The Byrds, Marianne Faithfull, The Ventures, The Searchers, The Righteous Brothers, Brenda Lee, Bobbie Vee, Sandie Shaw, the Crickets, Cher and Stevie Nicks, and she had partnerships/collaborations with Jimmy Page (who she dated for a time), the legendary Jack Nietzche, Sharon Sheeley, Randy Newman and Van Morrison. She's recorded with Elvis (who she also dated for a time!), Barry White and Dr. John, and shared a stage with many famous groups such as the Beach Boys, The Association and The Beatles - she opened for them on their famous American stadium tour!
Unfortunately, her own star never rose as high as her behind-the-scenes work as a songwriter, and although pleased with that success, DeShannon wanted to be a hit act in her own right. Her demands did not go over well at Liberty: "When I would go in and ask about the sales of my record, they would call me a pushy broad. Or, because I'm small, they'd treat me like a child. I still have hang-ups about those days."
Despite her own performing success being limited more than she would have liked, today Jackie stands as one of the true music legends of the 1960s; someone who helped steer the course of music history and opened up new doors for so many women to follow.
Monopoly with George Harrison!
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