Jackie DeShannon

About

Born Sharon Lee Meyers in Hazel, Kentucky on August 21, 1941, Jackie DeShannon was a musical prodigy from her earliest years, singing country songs on local radio by age six. She emerged as one of the first female singer-songwriters of the rock and roll period, breaking new ground during the 1960s when female artists rarely controlled their own material. DeShannon's distinctive voice and songwriting talent established her as a vital creative force, blending influences from her country roots with the evolving sounds of rock and pop music.

DeShannon's career encompasses both memorable performances and celebrated songwriting achievements. She is best known as the singer of the anthemic "What the World Needs Now Is Love" and "Put a Little Love in Your Heart," songs that resonated deeply with audiences. Her talent as a composer proved equally significant, as she wrote "When You Walk in the Room" for The Searchers and "Bette Davis Eyes," which became a major hit for Kim Carnes. Through her dual roles as vocalist and songwriter, DeShannon left an indelible mark on popular music, paving the way for generations of female artists who would follow in her pioneering footsteps.