Jackie DeShannon talks about the early years

Jackie DeShannon, born Sharon Myers, is a singer-songwriter who has a string of hit song credits from the 1960s onwards, as both singer and composer. She was one of the first female singer-songwriters of the rock 'n' roll period. She is best known as the singer of "What the World Needs Now Is Love" and "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" and, as the composer of "When You Walk in the Room" and "Bette Davis Eyes,"
In 1960, DeShannon signed with Liberty Records, adopting the name Jackie DeShannon, believed to be the name of an Irish ancestor, after executives at Liberty thought the name Sharon Myers would not help sell records. DeShannon said that she chose "Jackie" as a cross-gender name. Since she had a low singing voice, she could be heard as either male or female. When she found that "Jackie Dee" was too similar to Brenda Lee, Sandra Dee, Kiki Dee et al., she changed it to Jackie Dee Shannon, which people heard as DeShannon. The name stuck.
As an artist, the Sonny Bono-Jack Nitzsche song "Needles and Pins" and the self-penned "When You Walk in the Room" reached the lower rungs of the US pop charts, but were Top 40 hits in Canada, where "Needles and Pins" made it all the way to No. 1. "Needles and Pins" and "When You Walk in the Room" later became US and UK hits for The Searchers.
DeShannon recorded many other singles that encompassed teen pop, country ballads, rockabilly, gospel, and Ray Charles-style soul that didn't fare as well on the charts. During these years it was her songwriting and public profile rather than her recording career that kept her contracted to Liberty. DeShannon dated Elvis Presley and formed friendships with The Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson. She also co-starred and sang with Bobby Vinton in the 1964 teen surf movie Surf Party.
DeShannon's biggest break came in February 1964 when she supported The Beatles on their first US tour, and formed a touring band with guitarist Ry Cooder. DeShannon co-wrote "Breakaway" with Sharon Sheeley, which was recorded by Irma Thomas in 1964, and by Tracey Ullman in 1983. She also wrote "Don't Doubt Yourself Babe" for Mr. Tambourine Man, the 1965 debut album of The Byrds. Her music at this stage was heavily influenced by the American West Coast sounds and folk music. Staying briefly in England in 1965, DeShannon formed a songwriting partnership with Jimmy Page, which resulted in the songs "Dream Boy" and "Don't Turn Your Back on Me". DeShannon also wrote material for singer Marianne Faithfull, including her Top Ten UK and US hit "Come and Stay With Me", which became Faithfull's biggest UK hit, peaking at #4 in 1965. That same year, Cher covered the song on her solo debut album All I Really Want to Do. It would be three more years before Jackie DeShannon would record the song for herself, on her 'Laurel Canyon' album in 1968. She also appeared on the television show Ready Steady Go!

[@ChuckvLewis]

Good evening. We are doing your iconic song at a Cancer benefit this Sunday. Thank you Jackie for you music "What the world needs now, is love!

[@gcmacyman]

If this woman looks like this at age 79 then bless her genetics. She looks phenomenal !

[@terrykrall]

This was filmed for the Wrecking Crew film (2008) which makes Jackie 67 at that time. She looks 50ish in this, and very, very good for 50ish. Lovely woman.

[@ciarraibuzz]

Not possible that she is 79 y.o. in this video image. 39, maybe.

[@johneyon5257]

@@terrykrall - there's a youtube video interview of her that was aired in 2001 - and she looks her age in that video - so this interview must have been recorded much earlier - Kerryman suggests 39 years old - and that seems like a good guess

[@MrPhilfridge]

@@johneyon5257 Watch Jackie on Jools Holland 2012-on you tube , and you'll realise Jackie was in her mid 60's when this was recorded. . At 39 she looked considerably younger , she was a mother then of a 2 year old.

[@sugarjoe50]

Hey guys, ever hear of plastic surgery?

[@buzzbomb67]

One of those women who the pictures just dont her justice. She is an absolute beauty… always has been! First time I saw her on tv back in the 70s, I was smitten!

[@johngiovine8792]

Jackie is as beautiful and she is brilliant, wonderful woman!

[@VILJL]

Jackie DeShannon was born in Hazel, Kentucky on August 21, 1941. She is an American singer-songwriter with a string of hit song credits from the 1960s onwards, as both singer and composer. She was one of the first female singer-songwriters of the rock 'n' roll period. She is best known as the singer of "What the World Needs Now Is Love" and "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" and, as the composer of "When You Walk in the Room" and "Bette Davis Eyes," which were hits for The Searchers and Kim Carnes, respectively. On August 21, 2020 she celebrated her 79th birthday.

[@RickNowels1]

Jackie is one of the all time great singer/songwriters. Her vocal on "What the World Needs Now" is masterful... "Every time You Walk in the Room" is a timeless classic...Thank you Jackie!!

[@WreckingCrewMovie]

So need that song as a hit today! I agree

[@kenrutherford1109]

IMHO, "What the World Needs Now" is a depressing song, but the key change and the outro make it even more so. AAMOF, every time I listen to that song it almost brings tears to my eyes

[@jimfreyler2944]

I recognized your name right away. Rick wrote most of Belinda Carlisle's hits. You area great producer/songwriter, and Jackie is one of the best female artists from the 60s.

[@denniscain5738]

Amen

[@flemingcourt]

Jackie is a major impact on our music. THANK YOU!

[@crsmith845]

I love Jackie. Deshannons voice simply beautiful!❤🎤🎵

[@tommyireland3099]

Always Loved Her Songs never she was a song writer also Beautiful and Talented Lady ! Thanks for sharing !

[@tedtimothy9074]

Such a talented lady. I loved when she sang Needles and Pins live at that event outdoors

[@stripervince1]

I recently discovered the bell studio session video for what the world needs now and have watched it and listened to it 500 times already. It's just phenomenal how things were in 1965. Jackie was just beyond amazing, probably not realizing back then how priceless and important this 4 minutes of studio recording would be almost 60 years later. You cut a bullet jackie!

[@Laustin2007]

Right Arm! Farm Out!...as we said during the sixties...er Right on! Far out! I haven't made 500 times...yet!

[@Wheeler11000]

Saw her when she was on tour with the Beatles Vancouver BC 1964

[@wildnites558]

My God, the woman just doesn't age!

[@fosbury68]

I wish she would release the song she co-wrote with Sharon Sheeley "We'll Be Together Again". It was Sharon's tribute to Eddie Cochran and is a wonderful melody. She recorded it but I don't see any evidence on the internet that it was ever released. It should be, it's a gorgeous song.

[@mozearteffect10]

I just love the FACT she wrote with Pagey and HE recorded on her songs!!!

[@jarodcarnarvon5198]

Awe.... She's so cute!!

[@jsteed44]

Not only can he play but its his sense of humor that shines through as well ✨ 😉

[@leroymcquay7592]

Love this Lady, as a person and an artist.

[@schwartzenheimer1]

I have always loved Jackie DeShannon, both as artist, and as a truly kind human being. So glad to see her well and active...

[@MaySecond07]

She went to my High School in Batavia, Illinois.

[@danny4481]

Big fan! Jackie contributed to Van Morrison's "Santa Fe" on his album Into The Music. Recorded a wonderful Pop single, "Sweet Sixteen"with VM.

[@BarbaraCollins5742]

she is just lovely .

[@vincentpaterno5311]

Let's get Jackie a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

[@crsmith845]

Most definitely!❤🎤🎵

[@Laustin2007]

I play your song over and over and over on LOOP. The words and your bright, OPTIMISTIC face are incomparable! You light up my life...often! Thank you.

[@fw1421]

I don’t know when this was recorded but Jackie looks fantastic!❤️❤️❤️

[@dscooterfoundhisgroove932]

Right? She's gorgeous and really smart.

[@werewolfmanjackal]

Recorded this year. She's 79.

[@fw1421]

@@werewolfmanjackal God,she looks like she’s 40! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@wayofthinkin]

She looks just as fantastic as she did in the '60's !!

[@johneyon5257]

@@wayofthinkin - she's in an interview aired in 2001 - and she looks her age there - she must have retrograded since then in order to look like she does here - or this is a much older interview - the date it's posted on youtube proves nothing - sorry - i know that's like saying Santa isn't real

[@Livingallalone]

love Jackie!

[@jodyvanliew2514]

Still beautiful after all these years .

[@danielmesery2904]

🌷🙏u can tell she has fond memories of the music world, surrounded by 🌟

[@iVenge]

This woman worked very hard to overcome a horrible lisp and accent. It’s amazing how far she came.

[@brendanaschinski-bp9dj]

Still beautiful and wonderful singer

[@morrisfoster5106]

I've always loved her And what the world needs now is Love Sweet Love 💕. I was only three years old when I heard this song and has always been part of me being the Son of A USMC I'm a Marine Bratt .I served in the Army I Miss Mom and Dad so much

[@UNOwen1]

If she isn't already, Ms DeShannon MOST be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (in multiple categories, obviously).

[@VincentPaterno-hs2fv]

And for her impact on the Los Angeles music scene, she deserves a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

[@DustySommers]

Amazing talented woman and beautiful 😍

[@zhukov9054]

An amazing talent

[@jimoakes836]

Great songwriter and as a wonderfull voice

[@programmingtwo3278]

Great voice

[@lordemed1]

Man, she was the real deal.

[@jamesbutchers1512]

Love her music Best wishes James

[@TheAmphibic]

wow, amazing interview ....

[@DLEVANS65]

She’s still fine !

[@jimfreyler2944]

Talent overload.

[@sivvybee]

Hear her on Breakfast with the Beatles every week.

[@mirrortime]

Great interview. Thank you! I must admit that I always thought Jackie was English. I know now she's not. Really getting into her music. Cool woman. Does anyone know the date of this?

[@MyWarman]

Great thanks she's looks great also

[@marcoantoniomonteroramirez3341]

Hi jackie! Since ciudad de México 🇲🇽 i hope some day you come my country. Greetings.!

[@rogeriovillela]

Quem cantou BURT bacharach, se projetou para o mundo.

[@jimclarke1108]

Still great looking🥰

[@Bebewhite88]

This interview was done YEARS ago. Why didnt you state the year it was done? 2008, Jackie was approx 57-58 here and looking great.

[@jamesstrutz4937]

SHE MAY HAVE WRITTEN SONGS, BUT SHE WAS A GREAT SINGER !!!!

[@roymills9695]

THANKS EDDIE COCHRAN.

[@johngiovine8792]

Jackie is as beautiful and she is brilliant, wonderful woman! Jackie is as beautiful and she is brilliant, wonderful woman!

[@c5back9]

Wow, what good looking young woman she was! Even in her golden years, a true beauty! But her real beauty was so very much deeper!! While most artists at that time were out front making political statements to cash-in on the anti-war movement, she went to Nam to entertain our guys with the hope of giving them a lift. Arrogant, self-righteous pin heads like Hanoi Jane Fonda pushed an agenda of hatred toward our troops; Jackie’s heart was and remains today, 180 degrees the other way in a far loftier direction. Thank you sweet lady!

[@andrewescalona8447]

JACKIE DESHANNON IS STILL STIUNNING.

[@rickwest2818]

Hi Cuz 😁 She's like my 2nd cousin twice removed. My mom grew up with her and went to school with her in Murray, or Hazel, KY, I can't remember.

[@jarodcarnarvon5198]

A 70 plus year old babe for sure, and I mean that respectfully!!!

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

Is this lady in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

[@rocknrollronrrr6113]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😎

[@circleforalanding]

I may have missed it...When was this interview taped? Thx.

[@miked6335]

I read somewhere that she helped write 'Needles and Pins' but was not given credit. Anybody know if this is true. Kinda makes sense; how did Sonny Bono come up with such a great song but not much else other than his hits with Cher.

[@ZJ-ne9kn]

Imagine between her and sharon sheeley wow what a pair if shes not gorgeous to you idk what to say i dont even have a type but seriously she and her music timeless

[@RJKennedy3000]

She is an American treasure.

[@angelayoung3978]

Great Stuff toured w the Beatles and w Jimmy Page I'd love to read that book !

[@leehart1498]

She is 67 at the time this was filmed? Daaammm, she is fine.

[@mmartinized]

When was this interview recorded?

[@Edward1312]

Incredible skin for someone pushing 80!

[@Bebewhite88]

she is 58 here

[@HarryWebb46]

So did Eddie Cochran ever meet a young Brian Wilson? I seriously need to know this!!

[@josephmcfarland8442]

Wrote Great Song, A Beautiful Woman to Boot

[@sambac2053]

Great bumper music, whites it?

[@stoshiobetrue7901]

LETS GET TOGETHER AND DO AN OLDIE RECORDING ? stoshio'''

[@petemccarry2326]

She lost that Southern drawl she had in When You Walk in the Room.

[@walterivy854]

7 March 2024, was The Dutch (265 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, United States) ‘neutral territory’ status elevated? For ‘their’ Southern Hummingbird (Genres: Contemporary R&B, Soul music, Neo soul, Acoustic music, Label: The Goldmind; Elektra, Producer: Craig Brockman; Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott; Troy Johnson; Jubu; Nisan Stewart; Timbaland; Tweet) to determine if the number seven Thursday Special in Cape Town, South Africa could Put a Little Love in Your Heart (Released: 1969, Genres: R&B/Soul, Pop, Seasonal, Rock, Folk)!? 22 years after (March 7, 2002) Houston and Brigham Young decided purebred “Cougar on Cougar” (SnowBrains March 20, 2024) crimes, would be judged on Red McEwen Field (opened in 1967, capacity of 2,500 for most of its history), 7-4… 🥷💣🥷.58 klicks from their Enemies (Released: 2019, Artist: Post Malone, Album: Hollywood's Bleeding, Featured artist: DaBaby, Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap) Turf.. Date unknown, 1625 The Dutch settle Manhattan, founding the town of New Amsterdam. The town will transform into a piece of New York City.[7] en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enemies_(Post_Malone_song) snowbrains.com/5-cyclists-fight-off-a-cougar-with-their-bare-hands-to-save-a-friend/ en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Hummingbird en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_DeShannon en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Put_a_Little_Love_in_Your_Heart www.thedutchnyc.com/ en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1625 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_McEwen_Field uhcougars.com/sports/softball/opponent-history/byu/164 za.theentertainerme.com/uncategorized/45-thursday-food-specials-cape-town-southafrica/