Wendell Goodman, Wanda Jackson’s Husband & Right Hand Man, Has Died
The husband, manager, and long-time right hand man of the Queen of Rock and Rockabilly has died. Wendell Goodman, who married Jackson in 1961, passed away on Sunday, May 21st after Wanda Jackson performed Saturday evening at the club Saturn in Birmingham, Alabama. Jackson had also performed at the Nashville Boogie in Nashville on Friday, and Wendell had accompanied her. The news comes as a shock to many fans who just saw Wendell in the last few days.
Wendell Goodman met Wanda after writing Wanda’s 1961 hit “Right or Wrong.” At the time, Wendell was a computer programmer for IBM. Though not as high-profile as Wanda’s short-lived relationship with Elvis Presley, Wendell Goodman’s work and encouragement of Wanda would result in the longevity of her career. After the passing of Wanda’s father and first manager Tom Jackson, Wendell took over as manager of Jackson, and launched “Wanda Jackson Enterprises” based in Oklahoma City. The couple had two children together, and raised them in Oklahoma City.
Wanda and Wendell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2011, and took a trip together to the Bahamas. In recent years, interest in Wanda Jackson has increased after Jack White produced an album The Party Ain’t Over for Jackson in 2011. Shooter Jennings manager Jon Hensley also helped revitalize Jackson’s career in later years. Wanda has become a favorite of rock & roll, country, and rockabilly revivalists, with Wendell being right at her side for club shows and festival appearances.
According to NewsOK, funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 26th at the Southern Hills Baptist Church chapel at South Lakes, in Oklahoma City.
May 22, 2017 @ 2:17 pm
Don’t know much of Wendell Goodman but my condolences to Wanda Jackson.
She’s held over 50 concert in Sweden. The first on in Stockholm the 21 of april 1970 and the last one (as I know of ) In a small town called Leksand the 19 of april 2008.
May 22, 2017 @ 4:27 pm
I saw her perform at Saturn this weekend, so I was shocked and saddened to read this news. Our condolences to Wanda and her family.
May 22, 2017 @ 4:43 pm
RIP Wendell. 🙁
May 22, 2017 @ 5:14 pm
Wanda, we are so sorry to here of Wendell’s passing. You and the family are in our prayers. Love you Reta, Ron Coley & Linda
May 22, 2017 @ 6:01 pm
We photographed her performance at Nashville Boogie this Fridsy. I watched Wendell practically carry her up the stage stairs. Then he walked her to her stool, helped her get seated, made sure she had everything she needed and attentively watched her the entire time to make sure she was ok. Wanda thanked him from the stage and sang his praises to the crowd. I felt myself tear up a bit. He loved Wanda and was everything to her. Wendell was her rock, her strong arm she could lean on and he was always there for her.We feel your pain Wanda…
May 22, 2017 @ 8:32 pm
A few years ago I was working as the stage manager at a Muddy Roots event, the second festival they did that Wanda Jackson headlined. It was raining buckets and there was a foot of rain on the ground. Wanda was going to cancel, but we convinced her it would be cool and made a ton of McGyver moves to get her to the stage dry. Wendell was prepping everything ahead of her, and making sure everything on stage was perfect. I asked him if Wanda Jackson wanted an introduction. He said, “Wanda Jackson needs no introduction.”
May 23, 2017 @ 7:50 am
Dear Wanda we are saddened to learn of your darling Wendell passing may he rest in peace
May 24, 2017 @ 2:21 pm
So saddened for your loss, Wanda. God Bless you and your family. Prayers from TN
May 26, 2017 @ 5:41 am
I owe my eternal life to Wendel. I loved him and Wanda so much. Both are supreme examples of the love of Jesus Christ.
June 1, 2017 @ 8:51 am
Wendell helped me surprise my husband on his birthday with a surprise meeting with Wanda back in 2015. He was so incredibly sweet. I had never met him, just took a chance and emailed him and he called me back and set it up. Not many people would have done that. Thank you Wendell for your kindness. You will never be forgotten. Rest in Glory.
August 25, 2017 @ 10:31 am
So sorry for your loss Wanda. Wendell was a good guy! From one of your ex drummers ,Honey Voshell
December 3, 2018 @ 2:58 pm
God Bless you Wanda ! Wendell was an Amazing person. R.I.P