The Daily Choice: Stonewall Jackson – Waterloo
Stonewall Jackson is one of the reasons why honky-tonk country music exists to this day. Alongside Ray Price, Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams, Mr. Jackson helped define the hard-driving sound that became so popular in the 50s and 60s. I stumbled across Mr. Jackson on some patched together best of country tape, and was blown away by the smooth twang of his voice. “Waterloo”, Jackson’s song about a slew of personal downfalls, is one of the great unsung country tunes. A huge, almost military drum beat pushes the song forward as Jackson croons about Napoleon and the inevitable arrival of all of our own “personal Waterloos.” It’s dark, and silly and subtly fucked up just how I like my country.
Jackson was a hit machine, landing 35 hits in a fourteen year span, and eventually becoming a staple of the Grand Ole Opry. When he was released, unceremoniously, in 2006, he sued the company for “agism” after GOE manager Pete Fisher told him he was “too old, and too country.” Well, Mr. Fisher, I hope Mr. Jackson sued your fucking pants off.
There’s a great “Best of Stonewall Jackson” album floating out there somewhere. It’s rife, rife with awesome, twang-heavy tracks.
coty #
i love myself some good ol’ country music.
lisa c #
Stonewall Jackson-one of the few really greats out there-his songs are addictive,and I love the way you can understand every word he sings-but also what he sings about-A Little Guy Named Joe? Come on,this is great writing,and Waterloo makes you stop and think also.Even Don’t Be Angry was one of his top hits and I love it,I think BJ the DJ should have gotten more buzz.But how do you pick a favorite when you love so many? There are a lot of great ‘newer’ country singers around,and I certainly give so many of them the credit they deserve,but lets not ever forget the GREATS-trailblazers for so many to come-and Stonewall is up there among the top of those-thanks for this post-