Jezebel

Wayne Shanklin (1916–1970)

Shanklin also wrote, “The Big Hurt,” “Primrose Lane,” and “Chanson D’Amour.” He had a total of ten children with a total of three wives, which may—or may not—have had a hand in inspiring “Jezebel.“

It was a big hit for Frankie Laine. He recorded it with Mitch Miller, directing the Columbia Records Orchestra, and the Norman Luboff Choir. It reached #2 on the Billboard chart and was a million-seller. I’ve always liked songs about bad women.