“Miss Country Soul,” Jeannie Seely, known for her husky voice and 1966, Grammy-winning hit “Don’t Touch Me,” celebrated 52 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry family this past weekend, an achievement attained by only a handful of country artists. Standing on stage in the sacred circle that upcoming artists dream of, the same iconic wooden circle onstage that holds special memories of all of those who have performed on the hallowed circle.
The country music legend has achieved chart topping songs as a solo artist, as a duet partner, and as a songwriter. Early in her career, Jeannie’s deeply moving vocals earned her the nickname of “Miss Country Soul”– a title that’s still used today. Jeannie’s biggest dream came true when she was inducted as a member of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, becoming the first Pennsylvania native to do so. Jeannie takes much pride in her involvement and support of musicians’ rights. In 2017, Jeannie celebrated her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. From her 1966 Top 10 Billboard album The Seely Style to her recent self–produced album Written In Song, consisting entirely of songs she’s written, Jeannie’s recordings have spanned six decades and provided enjoyment to country music fans all around the world. In his 2003 book “Finding Her Voice: Women In Country Music,” music critic Robert K. Oermann wrote, “With her chin-out, tough/tender, heart-of-gold manner, Jeannie Seely remains one of country’s most completely modern female personalities,” and that statement still holds true.
Seely has no plans of slowing down – on the contrary, she is loving life and excited for the future! She recently has gotten back into songwriting and is very proud to have the recent #1, “Like I Could,” on the Bluegrass Charts recorded by Rhonda Vincent. The single was co-written with Erin Enderlin and Bobby Tomberlin. In the Spring of 2020 she’ll be releasing a brand new album, “An American Classic,” and continues to host her weekly “Sundays With Seely” on Willie’s Roadhouse on SiriusXM and proudly host Opry segments and perform each week as well as tour nationally.
“The Opry has been in my life as far back as I can remember, about 4 years old, and except for a brief time in Los Angeles, I have either been there or listened every weekend! I remember when Jack Greene and I were touring together, we would pack up as quickly as we could after a show to get on the bus and turn on the Opry as we travelled home. We were listening on the night before Stringbean and his wife were murdered and heard him perform and heard the response of the audience that night. These are treasured memories,” states Jeannie Seely. “It has often been said among Opry artists and musicians, you are either Opry or you’re not, there doesn’t seem to be a way to explain it, we’d just rather be there! The Opry is a way of life to me, another home and that’s where my heart is. You can bet I’ll be listening when the day comes I can’t be there!”
“Seely is a fixture of the Opry both onstage and backstage,” said Dan Rogers, Opry VP and Executive Producer. “From her performances in the Opry’s famed circle to her witticisms in the wings to the way she nurtures the next generation of Opry stars, she’s one of a kind. Happy 52!”
Keep up with all things Jeannie Seely at www.jeannieseely.com and on all of her social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
(Source: B!Noticed Public Relations)
