Photo courtesy of Jeannie Seely
Classic country music trailblazer, Jeannie Seely celebrated the 55th anniversary of her debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry last night. For her debut, she sang “Don’t Touch Me” and was hosted by Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper. Jeannie recently re-recorded “Don’t Touch Me” which can be heard on her highly-acclaimed album, An American Classic, released on Curb Records and is produced by Don Cusic. The new album is available on all digital music platforms HERE .
“Don’t Touch Me” was written by Hank Cochran. The song was released as a single by Monument Records in 1966 and became a major Billboard country hit. “Don’t Touch Me” became Jeannie Seely’s signature song. The original version won the Best Female Country Vocal Performance Grammy in 1967. The song’s success led to an invitation for her to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry. In 1966 Jeannie made eight guest appearances at the Opry and three appearances in 1967. Jeannie Seely became an official member of the Opry family on September 16, 1967 and is one of only three living women to have reached this milestone, the other two being Loretta Lynn and Connie Smith. Jeannie has the following to say about the years in the Grand Old Opry family: “It is a memory I have treasured for 55 years, although I never imagined at the time I would be here this long! I am grateful to the Opry and the Opry fans and I thank you all!” Seely is the first female to regularly host segments of the weekly Opry and is credited for changing the image of the Opry by being the first to wear a mini-skirt on stage.
Listen to Jeannie Seely talk about “Don’t Touch Me HERE.
Clips courtesy of TV and Radio personality, Shannon McCombs.
The album An American Classic also includes collaborations with Bill Anderson, Rhonda Vincent, Steve Wariner, Lorrie Morgan, The Whites, Vince Gill and more. The project also includes her duet with Willie Nelson, “Not A Dry Eye In The House,” which was released on her 80th birthday, July 6, 2020. Jeannie is a country music legend who has achieved chart-topping songs as an artist, duet partner and songwriter. Her recordings have spanned six decades, providing enjoyment to country music fans around the world. Jeannie’s song, “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand),” was written in 1964 and recorded by Irma Thomas. The song is the trailer theme song for the new Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Many acclaimed music artists have recorded versions of “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand),” including Seal and Boyz II Men. In addition, the song has been featured in numerous episodes of the science fiction anthology series Black Mirror on Netflix.
In December 2019, Seely was honored by Lincoln Memorial University at their Fall Commencement with an honorary Doctor of Arts Degree. In June 2019, Ms. Jeannie Seely was honored and recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry by the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce Women in Business. The Standing Ovation Award was presented to Ms. Seely at the inaugural Influencing Women Awards Gala. In addition, Seely was recognized with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. Jeannie is known for her quick wit and humor, she documented some of her “sayings” in her book, Pieces of A Puzzled Mind. Currently, Jeannie is a host on SiriusXM’s, Willie’s Roadhouse, where she shares personal memories and stories about the songs, she plays on-air.
Keep up with Jeannie on her website at jeannieseely.com.
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*Featured photo courtesy of Jeannie Seely
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