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Jeannie Seely

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Jeannie Seely
Seely at the Grand Ole Opry, 2012
Born (1940-07-06) July 6, 1940 (age 84)
Titusville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • producer
  • actress
  • author
Years active1962–present
WorksDiscography
Spouses
  • ​
    ​
    (m. 1969; div. 1981)​
  • Gene Ward
    ​
    (m. 2010)​
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals
Labels
Websitejeannieseely.com

Marilyn Jeanne Seely (born July 6, 1940) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. Most notably identified with the country music genre, Seely found success with the Grammy Award-winning song "Don't Touch Me" (1966). Her soul-inspired vocal delivery[1] gave her the nickname of "Miss Country Soul".[2] Seely is also known for her membership and presence on the Grand Ole Opry, having appeared more times on the program than any other performer (over 5,000 appearances in her 55-year and ongoing tenure).[3]

Born and raised in northwestern Pennsylvania, Seely an early interest in country music, regularly appearing on local radio and television stations. After her high school she began a career in the baking industry and moved to California. Switching careers, she writing songs, which would be recorded by other artists. After being briefly signed with Challenge Records, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to further elevate her country music recording career. In Nashville, Seely's "Don't Touch Me" was released on Monument Records and reached the US country top five. She followed it with several more top ten and 20 songs, including "A Wanderin' Man" (1967) and "I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)" (1968).

Seely then formed a duet musical partnership with Jack Greene and they began collaborating together in the late 1960s. Their highest-charting single was 1969's "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" and they subsequently toured over the next decade. Her solo career continued with the popular singles "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" (1973) and "Lucky Ladies" (1974). After a car accident in 1977, Seely's career went on a brief hiatus and then resumed new projects. This included appeares in the Willie Nelson film Honeysuckle Rose and acted in several stage plays, opening a Nashville bar and becoming the first female to host the Grand Ole Opry.

In the 1990s, Seely returned to recording albums. This was launched with a 1990 eponymous release, followed by her first album of holiday music in 1994 called Number One Christmas. Other releases included the critically-acclaimed 2003 release Life's Highway. Her most recent studio release was 2020's An American Classic, issued on Curb Records. Seely has since continued to work the Grand Ole Opry and became a regular host of a weekly radio program on Sirius XM's Willie's Roadhouse broadcast.

Early life

[edit]

Marilyn Jeanne Seely was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania on July 6, 1940.[4] She was raised on a farm near Townville, Pennsylvania.[1] Seely was the youngest of four children born to Irene and Leo Seely. Her father was a farmer and worked at the Titusville Steel Mill. On weekends, he worked square dances and played the banjo. Her mother was a homemaker, but enjoyed singing around the house. Her family and friends often got together to pick and play music in Seely's childhood.[5] often listened to Grand Ole Opry radio broadcasts during childhood as well.[6]

At age 11, Seely started performing on WMGW's local radio show in Meadville, Pennsylvania[1] and began performing on a local television show in Erie, Pennsylvania.[7] Seely attended Townville High School where she was a cheerleader and an honors student.[8] In high school, Seely was teased for singing country music and being poor.[9] Following her 1958 high school graduation, she worked as a stenographer (and later a secretary) at the Titusville Trust Company.[8] She also took night courses at the American Banking Institute. During this time, Seely was driving during an Easter winter storm and got her car stuck in the snow. This inspired her to move to southern California where the climate was warmer.[10] In 1961, Seely left California in her MGA Roadster convertible.[11] She then briefly held a job at bank in Beverly Hills, California but realized she wanted to get more involved in the music business, prompting her to obtain a secretarial position at Imperial Records for half the pay.[7] Seely also worked as a disc jockey for the American Forces Network and appeared on a local California television program titled Hollywood Jamboree.[2]

Music career

[edit]

1964–1965: Early songwriting, first record label and Nashville

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While working as an Imperial Records secretary, Seely started writing songs for Four Star Music in California.[2] One of the first compositions she wrote was "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)". Accompanying herself on piano, she tracked down writer Randy Newman to help finish the song.[12] It would be picked up by R&B singer Irma Thomas whose version made the US pop charts in 1964.[13] This was followed by the song "Senses" (co-written with Glen Campbell), which Connie Smith cut for her 1965 album Cute 'n' Country.[14] The same year, Dottie West cut "It Just Takes Practice" (co-written with Gail Talley) for her album Dottie West Sings.[15] Norma Jean later recorded "Then Go Home to Her" (credited with Hank Cochran) for her 1966 album Please Don't Hurt Me.[16]

Seely's songwriting led to her signing a recording contract with the California-based Challenge Records.[17] Her first recording sessions were held in 1964 at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.[6] From the sessions came three singles: "If I Can't Have You" (1964),[18] "A World Without You" (1965)[19] and "Today Is Not the Day" (1965).[20] According to her website, Seely embarked on a US west coast tour to promote the singles, leading to her meeting songwriter Hank Cochran.[21] Impressed by her singing, Cochran encouraged her to move to Nashville to further pursue a country career.[9] Dottie West (who had developed a friendship with Seely) also encouraged a Nashville move and in 1965, Seely officially left California.[22] She then arrived at the 1965 DJ Convention in Nashville where she saw Cochran again. Cochran then agreed to help Seely with her career, only if he was allowed to have control of her decisions.[7] She was then hired as Norma Jean's replacement on Porter Wagoner's television series during the same period.[23]

1966–1968: "Don't Touch Me" and breakthrough

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"Don't Touch Me"
Seely's signature song, which won a Grammy Award in 1966.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Cochran brought a demo of Seely's voice to all of Nashville's record labels and each of them passed on signing her.[24] According to Seely, Fred Foster of Monument Records was interested in signing her if she found a quality song to record. Now traveling as part of Porter Wagoner's road show, Seely received a phone call from Cochran while performing in Rochester, New York. Cochran performed the first verse for her on the phone and Seely agreed to hearing the remainder of the song in-person. Cochran then flew to Rochester where he played her the remaining verses and Seely decided to record it.[25] Cochran then brought Seely to Foster's Nashville office and he signed her to a contract with Monument.[24] Released as a single in 1966, "Don't Touch Me" rose to number two on the US Hot Country Songs chart,[26] number 85 on the US Hot 100[27] and number 29 on the US adult contemporary chart.[28] Writers and historians have since called "Don't Touch Me" a country music standard.[2][29]

Now a popular concert attraction, Seely was replaced by Dolly Parton in Porter Wagoner's road and television show.[24] The success of "Don't Touch Me" also brought Seely the Best Female Country Vocal Performance accolade at the 9th Annual Grammy Awards.[30] She was later invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1967.[31] The song led to the release of her debut studio album called The Seely Style,[32] which rose into the top ten on the US Top Country Albums chart in 1966.[33] Seely's next two single releases also made the US country top 20: "It's Only Love" (1966) and "A Wanderin' Man" (1967).[26] The latter releases (along with additional Monument tracks) were composed by Cochran, whom she married in the late 1960s.[7] Seely paid tribute to him with her second studio LP, Thanks, Hank!, which consisted of songs all written by Cochran.[34] The LP made the top 20 of the US country albums chart in 1967.[33]

In the late sixties, Seely's US touring schedule increased and she traveled frequently from coast-to-coast.[35] In 1967, alongside Ernest Tubb and often appeared on his country music television program.[36][37] Furthermore, Seely's next single "I'll Love You More (Than You Need)" rose to number ten on the US country chart in 1968.[26] It served as the title track to her 1968 studio album, which climbed into US country albums top 30 in 1968.[33] Before the end of 1968, her next two singles reached the top 40 of the Hot Country Songs chart: "Welcome Home to Nothing" and "How Is He?".[26] Both songs appeared on her fourth studio offering Little Things,[38] her fourth album to make the Top Country Albums chart.[33] Commenting on her Monument recordings, writers and critics found Seely's vocals to demonstrate "raw emotion", "suffering" and "soul"[39][40] while others found her singing style to steer towards pop music.[41]

1969–1977: Duets with Jack Greene and solo career comeback

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In 1969, Seely signed with Decca Records and began recording alongside producer Owen Bradley. Her debut label single was "Just Enough to Start Me Dreamin'",[42] which peaked outside the US country songs top 40 in 1969.[26] The label issued her eponymous studio album in April 1969, featuring the single, along with several cover tunes.[43] Seely also agreed to a tour of eastern Asia in January 1969 where she performed at US military bases[44] for a total of six-weeks.[42] She also became the host of a 30-minute radio segment on the American Armed Forces Network that attracted four million listeners[44] and according to Billboard, made her the first female military disc jockey.[45] Decca issued Seely's next studio album in 1970 titled Please Be My New Love which also included mostly cover songs.[46] Among them was the title track (which was a top 50 country single)[26] and a medley arranged by Bradley titled "Jeannie's Song" that featured Seely singing portions of different country songs from the period.[47]

Seely and Jack Greene onstage in the early 2010s. For several years, the pair recorded and toured together.

Through Seely's association with Ernest Tubb, she formed a duet partnership with fellow Decca artist Jack Greene.[36] The duo's first single, "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You", reached the US country top five 1970[26] and received a country duet nomination at the 12th Annual Grammy Awards.[30] It was then featured on their 1970 studio album of duet recordings[36] Greene and Seely then formed a road show that routinely played venues across North America and Europe,[48][47] including New York City's Madison Square Garden and London's Wembley Arena.[47] Their second duet album together, Two for the Show (1973), was named for their frequent touring dates.[49] The Greene-Seely duo had two more top 20 singles on the US and Canadian RPM country charts through 1973: "Much Oblige" and "What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love".[26][50] Greene and Seely were also nominated four times for the Country Music Association's "Vocal Duo of the Year" award between 1972 and 1975.[51]

Seely's solo career also continued simultaneously during this period.[4] Her solo releases through 1972 ("Tell Me Again", "You Don't Understand Him Like I Do", "Alright (I'll Sign the Papers)", "Pride" and "Farm in Pennsyltucky") reached lower-peaking positions on the US country chart.[26] Yet, she found success writing Faron Young's single "Leavin' and Sayin' Goodbye", which made the country top ten in 1972.[47] Walter Haynes then produced Seely's 1973 single, "Can I Sleep in Your Arms".[52] A reworked version of a traditional folk ballad,[53] "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" reached the top ten on both the US and Canadian country charts[26][50] and became her highest-peaking single in the US since 1970.[26] An adapted version of another folk ballad ("Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies") called "Lucky Ladies"[53] reached the US and Canadian country songs top 20 in 1974.[26][50] Both appeared on her next studio LP, Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies, which also collected her previous chart singles[54] and rose to number 15 on the US country albums chart in 1973.[33]

Seely's next two 1974 recordings titled "I Miss You" and "He Can Be Mine" reached the US country top 40, while "He Can Be Mine" made the Canadian country top 20.[26][50] She then moved to Columbia Records in 1977 where she was produced by Chuck Glaser.[55] The label issued her last charting US country songs: "Take Me to Bed" and "We're Still Hangin' in There Ain't We Jessi".[26] The latter recording described the marriages of country artists Jessi Colter, Jan Howard, Dottie West and Tammy Wynette.[53] The same year, the Greene-Seely duo released a live LP titled Live at the Grand Ole Opry.[56] While Seely was injured in a car accident in 1977[4] other country artists were cutting her compositions. This included Merle Haggard (who recorded "Life of a Rodeo Cowboy" for his 1977 album)[57][58] and Ernest Tubb (who recorded the 1977 single "Sometimes I Do")[59]

1978–1989: Car accident and career obstacles

[edit]

Seely returned to performing but was no longer signed to a recording label.[4] It became more challenging for Seely to tour due to fewer concert engagements. "The only bright spot in my life right now is a flashing neon sign...and even that comes and goes," she stated.[60] When opportunities were available, Seely continued to work. Among her first major engagements was a tour with Willie Nelson. Her appearances with Nelson led to a collaboration on the soundtrack album for his film Honeysuckle Rose (1980). Along with Hank Cochran and Nelson, she performed a collaborative version of the song "Make the World Go Away" for the soundtrack.[61] In 1982, Jack Greene reunited for a studio album containing re-recordings of their previous hits.[62] Seely also looked for other music-related opportunities. In 1985, she opened up a nightclub in Nashville named "Jeannie Seely's Country Club". Among the venue's major events was a premier music party hosted by Seely on its opening in June 1985.[63] However, in 1986 the club closed down after only a year of being open to the public.[60]

Seely at the Opry, 2007

In 1981, Seely became the first female to be a Grand Ole Opry host when Del Reeves was stuck in a snowstorm and she was asked to fill in for him. The Opry continued to only use male artists as show hosts. However, after advocating for several years of fairer representation, Seely became the first female member to regularly host Opry segments.[64][65] Seely would also be a recurrent host of The Nashville Network's Opry Backstage show, where she interviewed artists following their Opry performances. Along with the Opry, Seely also appeared on several other network programs during this time. This included appearances on Nashville Now, Crook & Chase, Family Feud and Prime Time Country.[66]

1990–present: Return to recording

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Seely returned to a more active music career in the 1990s. In 1990, she released her eleventh studio album, which was issued on her own recording label.[67] In 1993, she appeared alongside Stonewall Jackson in the music video for "Trashy Women", a song by the band Confederate Railroad.[68] When released as a single, the song reached number ten on the Billboard country songs chart.[69] The following year, her first album of holiday music was released called Number One Christmas.[70] While not recording or touring, Seely maintained an active presence as a Grand Ole Opry member. She also continued making regular appearances on The Nashville Network.[66] Seely's songwriting was also a part of her music career in the 90s. In 1997, Lorrie Morgan recorded "I've Enjoyed as Much of This as I Can Stand", which was composed with Bill Anderson. Morgan's version was released on her 1997 studio album, Shakin' Things Up.[71] Before the end of the decade, Seely released her thirteenth studio effort, Been There...Sung That! (1999). The project was self-produced and featured duets with T. Graham Brown and Willie Nelson.[72]

In the early 2000s, Seely turned her attention towards bluegrass projects. In 2001, she sang alongside Ralph Stanley on his studio album Clinch Mountain Sweethearts. On the album, they performed the track "I'm Ready to Go".[73] Seely followed this in 2003 with the studio album Life's Highway.[4] The record's bluegrass and acoustic sounds received positive reviews from critics. John Lupton of Country Standard Time called it an album "chock-full of top level bluegrass talent." Lupton also praised Seely's vocal performance on the album, calling it "classic country" and "timeless".[74] Bob Mitchell of the Louisville Music News gave the album mostly a positive response. "Overall, this recording lacks the earthy intensity and drive that characterizes authentic traditional Bluegrass. But, make no mistake, Life's Highway is enjoyable and features some of country and bluegrass's finest musicians," he wrote.[75]

Seely at the Grand Ole Opry, 2010s

In the late 2000s, Seely continued an active touring schedule. During several summers, she held concerts at the Dollywood theme park and toured in Ireland.[66] While taking time to tour, Seely also found time to record her fifteenth studio album. In 2011, Vintage Country: Old But Treasured was released on her latest label, Cheyenne Records.[4] "...like I always joke onstage, I'm speaking about the music when I say old but treasured," Seely commented in a 2011 interview.[76] The album was a collection of country music standards previously recorded by others. Among its songs was Bobbie Gentry's "Ode to Billie Joe" and Billy Walker's "Funny How Time Slips Away".[77]

During the 2010s, Seely's touring schedule remained busy as she performed at events including the CMA Music Festival and the R.O.P.E.'s "Summer Spectacular" show.[76] Since 2016, Seely has also been the host of the "Dottie West Birthday Bash", which is held every October in honor of West. The event supports the Nashville Musicians Relief Fund.[78] She returned to recording with her sixteenth studio album, Written in Song (2017).[4] All fourteen of the album's tracks were composed by Seely and many were first recorded by other artists.[79] Markos Papadatos of the Digital Journal gave the album an "A" rating in his review. "Overall, Jeannie Seely soars on her new album, Written in Song. "Miss Country Soul" is back stronger than ever. There is a variety on her latest musical effort."[80]

In late 2019, Seely announced her seventeenth studio recording called An American Classic. It was produced by Don Cusic and released on Curb Records on August 14, 2020.[81][82]

Acting and other contributions

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Seely on the set of the play, Could It Be Love. She played the main character of Mabel from 2004 to 2007 during the show's run.

Seely also several credits as an actress. Most of her acting roles have occurred at the theatrical level.[4][60] Her first acting role was in the country music-themed musical, Takin' It Home (1986). Seely played alongside Lorrie Morgan and Jean Shepard during the show's run.[60] In 1988, she portrayed the character of Miss Mona in the musical, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Seely performed as part of the cast during its run in Nashville, Tennessee.[60][66] In 1990, Seely performed in the play, Everybody Loves Opal, her first straight acting role. During rehearsal, she broke two of her ribs but still performed for the show's duration at a Nashville dinner theater.[83] In 2001, Seely played alongside artist Terri Williams in the musical Always Patsy Cline. The show chronicled the friendship between Patsy Cline and Louise Seger. In the program, Seely played the role of Seger.[84]

In 2005, Seely performed at Nashville's Belcourt Theatre in a production of The Vagina Monologues. She performed alongside fellow artists Kathy Mattea and Pam Tillis.[85] "I've had a couple people tell me, 'Only you'd have the guts to do that. I guess it takes a little courage in some ways, but to me it's something that needs to be done. I'm not really an actress, I'm just acting like one," Seely commented in 2005.[86] Between 2004 and 2007, she starred in the musical, Could It Be Love, including a performance at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Seely portrayed an older theater actress that wanted to put on a senior citizen version of Grease. Also in the show was country artist Helen Cornelius. In a 2005 interview, the show's creator commented on whether he deliberately chose Seely and Cornelius. "Anyone who sees the show and knows the two of them would swear I did. Helen plays a devout Christian woman, and Jeannie plays a woman who is more, shall we say, morally diverse," he said.[87] According to a 2007 interview with Seely, she enjoyed acting in the show. "We have a lot of fun with it and I think the music is absolutely wonderful!! I hope everybody will enjoy it, I think they will. We have fun with it," she commented.[88]

In 2002, Seely played a minor role in the film Changing Hearts, which starred Faye Dunaway. The film also included Jan Howard and Rita Coolidge in the cast.[89]

Seely has also taken up other interests. In 1988, she published a book called Pieces of a Puzzled Mind. The book was a collection of witticisms Seely had written over the years.[90] According to Seely, many of the witticisms began as song titles that never materialized.[85] Other quotes were originally opening lines Seely used while performing on stage. Quotes in the book included, "Of course I want you for your body. I've got a mind of my own" or "An ex-husband is one mistake you don't have to live with."[2] The book was originally self-published and has since been re-printed.[83]

In 2018, it was announced that Seely would join Willie Nelson's Sirius XM radio series, Willie's Roadhouse.[91] Her segment is titled "Sunday's with Seely".[1] The show has since been airing every Sunday from noon to 4 pm. "The only thing better than being able to play classic country music is to be able to do it at Willie's Roadhouse. I'm so excited to be a part of the SiriusXM family and play the music of my peers!" Seely commented.[91] During her segment, Seely shares personal stories from her memories in Nashville and also plays songs by classic country artists.[92]

Personal life

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In June 1977, Seely was involved in a car accident in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, a suburb outside of Nashville.[90][93] Seely had been driving her vehicle when it crashed into a tree. She was admitted to Nashville Memorial Hospital where she was reported to be in "fair condition". Among her injuries, Seely suffered a fractured jaw, broken ribs,[93] a punctured lung and a collapsed lung. Upon arriving at the hospital she was given same-day surgery to repair her lung.[94] Seely eventually recovered from her injuries[4] and later reflected on her appreciation for her life. "You know, it sounds like a cliche, but it's true that your perspective changes when you have a close call, what you took for granted you come to appreciate more," Seely commented on her official website biography.[95] She later would credit friend Dottie West for her support during her recovery. "Dottie was there as much as she possibly could be, helping me through that time. After I got out of the hospital and was homebound, one time, she drove me out to her place just for a change of scenery," she commented in 2016.[96]

Seely was first married to songwriter Hank Cochran. It was Cochran who wrote many of her biggest hits.

Seely has been married twice. In 1969, she married her Nashville songwriter Hank Cochran.[97] Seely respected Cochran's songwriting and legacy to the country music in community. In a 2012 interview, she spoke of Cochran's impact. "Hank was one of the writers who laid the groundwork for Music City, for writing songs that encompassed any genre of music. When you think of his songs, they could be written today," she commented.[98] According to a 1981 article, the pair began to live separately from one another several years prior to divorcing. In 1981, the couple officially filed for divorce, but continued to remain friendly over the years.[99] In 2010, Cochran passed away from cancer at the age of 74.[97]

In 2010, Seely married Nashville attorney Gene Ward. The couple live together in a home alongside the Cumberland River in Nashville.[17] In 2018, Seely cancelled several engagements after Ward became ill. Ward was rushed to the hospital shortly before Seely was scheduled to make a Grand Ole Opry appearance. She later posted updates about Ward's condition on her social media sites. "His vitals are holding pretty steady and his breathing is much improved. Still can't have water, which is heart wrenching to hear him ask. Has days and nights turned around so he's resting right now," she wrote.[100] Ward recovered from the illness and the couple renewed their wedding vows in 2019. The couple renewed their vows at sea on a country music cruise. She later spoke about the ceremony. "The reason Gene and I wanted to renew our vows is because first of all, we can...I thought it might be nice for them [her fans] to see Gene standing up there looking so sharp in his suit," Seely commented.[101]

Seely's home was destroyed in the 2010 Tennessee floods. As the water started to rise in her neighborhood, Seely and her husband escaped in a pickup truck, leaving valuables behind. Seely lost most possessions in her home after three feet of water had damaged the inside.[102] "You can either laugh about it or you can cry, and I don't feel like crying," she said in a performance shortly after losing her home.[103] Seely credited the help of local volunteers with putting her home back together a year later. "Just about that time, there was a group of young people from Hardin Valley, just this side of Knoxville, who were supposed to go to Jamaica but couldn't because there was too much violence there. So, they came here, and what a difference that group made. Those young people hit this place like a swarm of bees, they were cutting the weeds that were starting to grow, trimming the shrubbery, hauling out trash, digging up where the water had settled in the mulch," she said in a 2011 interview.[102]

On July 4, 2022, Jeannie and Eugene were Grand Marshals of the annual parade in Eugene's hometown of White Pine, Tennessee.

Seely celebrated her 55th anniversary with the Grand Ole Opry in September 2022. She noted that she had begun appearing on the show when cast membership required appearing on at least half of the Opry's appearances each year, and that her loyalty to the program prompted her to attempt to maintain a pace far more frequent than required after the rules were relaxed later on. This, along with the increase in the number of episodes per week the Opry has staged, accounted for her record number of appearances on the program.[3]

Artistry

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Musical styles and voice

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"In 1966, Seely's 'Don't Touch Me' took country women's sexuality from the honky-tonk into the bedroom even though it didn't end up there, and the on-again off-again ache in her voice retained its savor afterwards. But never again did she find a song at once so moral and so febrile."

—Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981)[104]

Seely's musical style is mostly rooted in country music. However, it also is rooted in classic country, country pop and blue-eyed soul.[4][105][106] At times, her songs have dealt with women's sexuality, heartache, empowerment and loss.[105][60] The Boot writer Carrie Horton explained that Seely was a pioneer for women's sexual freedom. Horton noted that Seely's signature tune, "Don't Touch Me", was controversial due to its lyric. "'Don't Touch Me' caused quite a stir upon its release as one of the first country songs featuring a woman expressing sexual desire. Proving that women can sing about sex too..."[105] Horton also explained that her material could be considered classic country. Songs such as "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" and "A Wanderin' Man" fused "honky tonk" and "traditional country" with modern arrangements, according to Horton.[105] Seely has frequently been nicknamed "Miss Country Soul" for her stylistic choices related to the blue-eyed soul genre. In a 2017 interview, Seely explained how she acquired the nickname. "...as I left the radio station he'd visited, the disc jockey played my record 'Don't Touch Me' and he back-announced it saying 'that's the blue-eyed soul of Miss Country Soul Jeannie Seely' and Ed [Hamilton] really liked the sound and the feel of that and it so it kinda stuck," she commented.[107]

Seely has been influenced mostly by artists in the country music genre. She noted that Patsy Cline, Jean Shepard and Kitty Wells all were important female inspirations. She also cited Little Jimmy Dickens and Ernest Tubb as influences. Seely also said that she was inspired by Rosemary Clooney and Patti Page as a young child.[108]

Seely onstage at R.O.P.E. awards, 2010s

Seely's voice has also been of interest to writers and critics when discussing her artistry. Some writers have noted the emotion in her vocal delivery. Ken Burns of PBS called Seely's voice "emotion packed" in his biography of her music and career.[2] John Lupton of Country Standard Time called her voice "distinctive and raspy".[74] Mary Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann considered Seely to be an example of the "heartache/victim singers" of the 1960s and 1970s. Bufwack and Oermann compared her voice to that of Connie Smith, Dottie West and Tammy Wynette. "Jeannie's husky cigarette-stained voice moaned with such agony that she was dubbed 'Miss Country Soul'", they wrote.[109] Other journalists had differed opinions. Greg Adams of Allmusic considered her voice to resemble that of a "pop-oriented" singer rather than country. Nonetheless, he still considered her voice to be country. "...today she seems like Kitty Wells compared to some of the pure pop that has since passed for country," Adams wrote.[110]

Image

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As a performer and entertainer, Seely's image has often been a subject of discussion. On the Grand Ole Opry, she became the first artist to wear a miniskirt on stage.[2] Seely challenged Opry manager Ott Devine, who disliked the idea of her wearing a miniskirt onstage. "Okay, this is what America is wearing and I’ll make you a deal. I won’t wear a miniskirt in the back door if you don’t let anybody wear one in the front door," she recounted in Ken Burns’ Country Music documentary.[111] Seely was also among the first female artists to wear other contemporary fashion items, including go-go boots, pantsuits and denim jeans. Prior to Seely, many female country performers entertained in gingham and wore dresses on stage. According to Mary Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann, Seely "broke the Opry's gingham curtain". Seely later reflected on her choice of stage attire. "I never planned to set any sort of trend. I'm about like any other normal American girl my age. I think I dress and act pretty much the way she does," she recalled.[60]

Legacy

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Jeannie Seely
An honorary display of Seely inside the original Titusville Trust Company building. As a young adult, Seely worked for the trust company full-time.

Seely has been described as an influential female country artist. According to authors Mary Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann, Seely's stage presence and personality was unlike that of her predecessors. "When she arrived in Nashville in 1965, women were still expected to portray the submissive country sweetheart. Jeannie blazed a nonconformist trail from the moment she hit the Opry stage in her mini skirt."[109] Carrie Horton of The Boot called her career "prolific" and "influential". "From her success as a songwriter to her popularity as a duet partner to her influence as a solo artist, Seely's work has impacted generations of country, Americana and bluegrass performers," Horton commented.[105] Edward Morris of Country Music Television called her "one of the Opry's most applauded performers."[112]

Her music has also been an influence on other female country artists. Lorrie Morgan has considered Seely to be influence on her music. In a 2017 interview, Morgan called her "a great lady and a very good friend of mine."[113] Barbara Mandrell has also cited her as an influence.[114] Carly Pearce is a third female artist that has sought inspiration from Seely. "I dreamt of singing in the Grand Ole Opry my whole life. They are so dear to me, and I hope to be a member one day. Be like Jeannie – she's kind of my inspiration as far as the Opry goes," Pearce commented.[115]

In recent years, Seely has received honors for her accomplishments as a recording artist and writer. Her hometown of Townville, Pennsylvania has made her a "Grand Marshall" of their community parades on several occasions.[116] In 2017, Seely celebrated 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She was among several women who have since been a member for 50 years. Among those have been Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. "The Opry has been my life for more than 50 years. I feel so blessed to be a part of this Opry family. Tonight was just the icing on the cake," she commented in 2017.[117] The same year, Seely was recognized for her life's work at 7th annual "NATD Honors Gala", along with Charley Pride.[118]

In 2018, Seely received a star on the Music City Walk of Fame.[119] Also in 2018, she received an award from Billboard magazine for the composition, "Anyone Who Know What Love Is (Will Understand)". The song reached number 2 on the "Top TV Songs" chart after its appearance in the show Black Mirror.[12] She was featured in Ken Burns's documentary Country Music in September 2019. Seely's music and career was profiled and she was also interviewed for several segments.[2] In late 2019, she received an honorary degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. "This is an honor that exceeds even my dreams. I could never have imagined this. I hope that I can always be deserving of this title in all that I do," she commented in her acceptance speech.[120] Between March 2019 and February 2020, artifacts from Seely's life and career were on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Titled, "American Currents", her life and career was beside the work of newer Nashville artists, most notably Carly Pearce.[121]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Jeannie Seely discography
Studio albums

Acting credits

[edit]

Filmography

[edit]
Title Year Role Notes Ref.
Honeysuckle Rose 1980 Jeannie cameo appearance
Changing Hearts 2002 Mrs. Jenkins [89]

Stage productions

[edit]
Title Year Role Notes Ref.
Takin' It Home 1986 Lorrie Morgan's mother [60]
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas 1988 Miss Mona [60]
Everybody Loves Opal 1990 Opal Seely's first non-musical role [83]
Always Patsy Cline 2001 Louise Seger [84]
Could It Be Love 2004–2007 Mabel [87]
The Vagina Monologues 2005 various roles [86]

Books

[edit]
  • Pieces of a Puzzled Mind (1988)[90]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Big Honor for Jeannie Seely Later This Month". Meadville Tribune. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Burns, Ken. "Country Music: Jeannie Seely Biography". PBS. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Windsor, Pam. "Country Singer Jeannie Seely Honored For 55 Years As A Member Of The Grand Ole Opry". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Huey, Steve. "Jeannie Seely: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  5. ^ Seely & Harman 2002, p. 1.
  6. ^ a b Kruh, Nancy (September 30, 2022). "She's an Opry Record-Setter: Jeannie Seely Celebrates Over 5,000 Performances on Country's Most Famous Stage". People. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d Bufwack & Oermann 2003, p. 301.
  8. ^ a b Seely & Harman 2002, p. 2.
  9. ^ a b Bufwack & Oerman 2003, p. 301.
  10. ^ Shanley Special, Jean (February 21, 2022). "Vision 2022: Untold Story: Jeannie Seely's journey to the Grand Ole Opry". The Meadville Tribune. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  11. ^ Harman, Ron. "Crawford County Native Seely Celebrates 50th Anniversary as Grand Ole Opry Member". Meadville Tribune. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  12. ^ a b Bronson, Fred (15 August 2018). "'Anyone Who Knows What Love Is': Why An Obscure '60s Song Is Bigger Than Ever In 2018". Billboard. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  13. ^ "Irma Thomas: Billboard chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  14. ^ Smith, Connie (October 1965). "Cute 'n' Country (LP Liner Notes and Album Information)". RCA Victor Records. LSP-3444.
  15. ^ West, Dottie (December 1965). "Dottie West Sings (Album Notes and Liner Notes)". RCA Victor. LSP-3490.
  16. ^ "Please Don't Hurt Me (Liner Notes)". RCA Victor. 1966. LPM-3541 (LP Mono).
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  18. ^ Seely, Jeannie (December 1964). ""If I Can't Have You"/"Old Memories Never Die" (7" vinyl single)". Challenge Records. 59274.
  19. ^ Seely, Jeannie (June 1965). ""A World Without You"/"Bring It on Back" (7" vinyl single)". Challenge Records. 59298.
  20. ^ Seely, Jeannie (August 1965). ""Today Is Not the Day"/"What Am I Doing in Your World" (7" vinyl single)". Challenge Records. 59274.
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  110. ^ Adams, Greg. "Thanks, Hank! -- Jeannie Seely -- Review". Allmusic. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
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  118. ^ "7th Annual NATD Honors Gala Recognizes Charley Pride, Jeannie Seely, David Corlew, Barbara Hubbard, Sean Henry and Bobby Roberts". The Country Note. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  119. ^ GGM Staff (23 August 2018). "MISS COUNTRY SOUL," JEANNIE SEELY, HONORED WITH STAR ON MUSIC CITY WALK OF FAME". Guitar Girl Magazine. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
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Sources

[edit]
  • Homer, Sheree (2019). Under the Influence of Classic Country. Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company. ISBN 978-1476637075.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
  • Bufwack, Mary A.; Oermann, Robert K. (2003). Finding Her Voice: Women in Country Music: 1800–2000. Nashville, TN: The Country Music Press & Vanderbilt University Press. ISBN 0-8265-1432-4.
  • Seely, Jeannie; Harman, Ron (2002). "Biography" (PDF). Jeannie Seely.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
[edit]
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