Jeannie Seely: Oldest Country Singer Makes History

Move over, time! There’s a new record holder in Nashville , and she’s here to prove age ain’t nothin’ but a number.

Country legend Jeannie Seely , at the sprightly young age of 84 (yes, you read that right!), just became the oldest working woman in country music.

But even Jeannie herself seems a touch surprised by this turn of events.

Keep reading to know more!

“Suffertime” by Jeannie Seely

While Jeannie Seely’s record-breaking career is the main focus these days, her latest project, the song “Suffertime,” deserves a spotlight of its own.

This isn’t just a new release for Jeannie; it’s a delightful rediscovery of a gem from her songwriting past.

Originally penned by Jeannie and recorded by her dear friend Dottie West , “Suffertime” somehow slipped from Jeannie’s memory.

“Can you believe what’s going on with me?”she laughs, talking to PEOPLE magazine . “This is crazy! It’s just phenomenal that I’m still able to be doing this.”

On July 19th, Jeannie dropped “Suffertime,” on all your favorite streaming platforms. But that’s not all. This release comes with a bang – a full 40-minute documentary and a music video to boot!

“We’re recreating history,”Jeannie declares, that unmistakable twinkle in her voice. “Truthfully, I’m just doing things that sound like fun.”

Story Behind the Song

Now, this “Suffertime” business – it all started with a hankering for a classic country tune with a soulful twist.

Jeannie, ever the creative soul, dug through her own songwriting vault and came across a gem – a song she wrote that her dear friend, the legendary Dottie West, had recorded years ago.

The title? “Suffertime.” It was a song Jeannie had always loved, but one that had somehow slipped her mind.

Fast forward to a 2023 Grand Ole Opry performance.As Jeannie launched into the forgotten tune, the audience erupted. The energy was undeniable. That’s all it took – Jeannie knew she had to record this song, just for the fun of it.

Enter Ron Harman, Jeannie’s ever-supportive creative director. “ Why not go back to RCA Studio B?”he suggested.

After all, that’s where Jeannie had first laid down “Suffertime” back in 1964, marking her very first recording session ever! The idea sparked a fire – a video component had to be part of the package.

To make things even sweeter, Jeannie brought in some heavy hitters for the recording session. Country music royalty Steve Wariner ,who had played with Dottie West back in the day, lent his talents.

And who could resist adding a touch of Country Music Hall of Fame magic? Studio musician extraordinaire Charlie McCoy, another West collaborator, was welcomed into the studio fold.

Jeannie Seely; It’s About the Music (and the Fun!)

The joy in Jeannie’s voice as she talks about Charlie McCoy, the legendary studio musician who graced “Suffertime,” is palpable.

“It was such a thrill for me to have him there,”she beams to PEOPLE. Their session crackled with energy, and it was all captured on camera. “We were getting so much really good stuff that we just kept videoing,”Jeannie explains.

This enthusiasm for capturing the moment is a beautiful reflection of her approach to her career at this stage. “I guess I’m doing things that I’ve never done while I still can, whether they were on a bucket list or not,”she muses.

It’s about living life to the fullest, embracing new experiences, and holding onto the pure joy of making music. “If we think of something, let’s do it,”she declares.

That’s the Jeannie Seely spirit – a philosophy that centres around “Enjoying my life and what’s left of this career.”

Speaking of career milestones, Jeannie’s return to RCA Studio B wasn’t just a sentimental journey – it was history-making.

With this session, she became the vocalist with the longest gap between recording sessions at the iconic Music Row studio. That’s a testament to her longevity and enduring influence in country music.

Moreover, Jeannie reflects on her dear friend, the late Kitty Wells, another country music powerhouse who left an indelible mark on the genre.

Kitty passed away in 2012 at the age of 92, but Jeannie remembers a specific moment from her friend’s 80th birthday celebration. “I was standing there watching her and thinking, ‘I wonder what it feels like to have a career that lasts this long,'”Jeannie shares.

Little did she know, her own career would surpass even Kitty’s impressive tenure. “And now mine has actually gone longer than what hers did,”she says with a touch of awe.

But for Jeannie, it’s not about outdoing anyone – it’s about the sheer blessing of being able to continue doing what she loves. “I just feel blessed every day,”she reiterates.

There’s a twinkle in her eye as she clarifies , “I tell everybody I’m not retired; I just quit working. They’re two different things.”Jeannie’s approach to her career is refreshingly clear-eyed.

She prioritizes the joy of the music, only taking on projects that spark her passion. “I only do what I enjoy,” she states firmly. “If it sounds like too much work, I just know we don’t want to do that.”

She’s an Opry Record-Setter

Can you imagine a four-year-old tuning into the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights, captivated by the magic emanating from the radio?

That was Jeannie Seely, her tiny fingers reaching out, hoping to grasp the essence of this legendary stage. Little did she know, the seeds of her future were being sown with every twang of the guitar and every heartfelt lyric.

Fast forward to a sprightly 82-year-old Jeannie, a Grammy Award winner and undisputed queen of Opry appearances.

Her 55th anniversary as a member is a remarkable feat, but the true jaw-dropper is the staggering number – over 5,200 appearances!

Even Jeannie herself admits to being “blown away”by this record. Opry historian Byron Fay meticulously documented her appearances, revealing that Jeannie has graced the stage for a staggering 55% of the shows since 1968.

That’s an almost symbiotic relationship – the Opry providing a platform for Jeannie’s talent, and Jeannie infusing the Opry with her infectious energy and unwavering love for country music.

Her voice has captivated audiences for decades, with chart-topping hits in the late 60s and 70s. Her recording career boasts 20 albums, the latest being a 2020 gem titled “An American Classic.” A Grammy for her debut single and multiple CMA nominations solidify her place in country music royalty.

And contribute she has! Her first Opry appearance was a full-circle moment, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her childhood heroes.

A year later, she became a permanent member, solidifying her place in Opry history. This wasn’t just an honor; it was a responsibility, a commitment she has upheld with unwavering dedication.

“The Opry is just simply a way of life to me,”

Jeannie once said.

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Jeannie Seely’s “An American Classic”

Jeannie Seely’s 2020 album, “An American Classic,”is a fitting title for a project that embodies both her enduring legacy and her ever-evolving artistry. Here’s a closer look at this unique collection:

• A Blend of Old and New:The album masterfully blends re-recordings of Jeannie’s beloved hits from the 1960s and 1970s with brand new compositions. This allows fans to revisit familiar favorites like “Don’t Touch Me” and “Can I Sleep in Your Arms Tonight” with a fresh perspective, while also introducing them to the depth and maturity of Jeannie’s contemporary songwriting.
• Star-Studded Collaborations:“An American Classic” features a delightful array of guest artists, adding a touch of magic to each track. The aforementioned “Not a Dry Eye in the House” with Willie Nelson is a standout, but the album also boasts collaborations with country music legends like Steve Wariner, Rhonda Vincent, Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Lorrie Morgan, and Waylon Payne (son of the legendary Hank Payne).
• Tribute to Friendship:The inclusion of “If You Could Call It That,” a song Jeannie co-wrote with her late friend Dottie West, adds a touch of sentimentality to the album. Finishing the song with Steve Wariner and Bobby Tomberlin serves as a beautiful tribute to their friendship and a testament to Jeannie’s commitment to Dottie’s artistic legacy.
• Produced by a Music Historian:The album’s producer, Don Cusic, brings his expertise as a music historian to the project. His dedication to preserving Jeannie’s musical legacy shines through in the thoughtful arrangements and meticulous attention to detail.
• Critical Acclaim:“An American Classic” was well-received by critics, with praise for both Jeannie’s timeless vocals and the album’s overall concept. It serves as a powerful reminder of Jeannie’s enduring influence and her ability to connect with audiences across generations.

She has many wins with her name. However, the song “If You Could Call It That”wasn’t just another recording for Jeannie. It was a chance to honor her late friend Dottie West and complete a song they started together.

The collaboration with Steve Wariner and Bobby Tomberlin to finish the song speaks to the importance Jeannie placed on this project.

Jeannie Seely ‘s single “If You Could Call It That” on Curb Records moves up to No. 71 in its seventh week on the chart. Phenomenal that Jeannie, who just turned 81, has a song on the chart (between Alan Jackson and Tim McGraw) that was co-written by Dottie West who we lost 30 years ago this year.
by u/somewhatajerk in CountryMusic

Here’s a quick overview of the country queen career highlights:

Category	Achievement	Details
Awards	Grammy Award	Best Country Vocal Performance – Female (1966)
Awards	CMA Nominations	Multiple nominations
Awards	Opry Record	Most Performances by a Vocalist (over 5,200)
Awards	Opry Membership	Inducted in 1967
Awards	Lifetime Achievement Award	SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards
Recording	Hit Singles	“Don’t Touch Me” (highest-charting)
Recording	Albums	20 albums, including “An American Classic” (2020)
Radio	SiriusXM	Host on Willie’s Roadhouse channel
Grand Ole Opry	Appearances	Over 55 years as a member
Grand Ole Opry	Stage Debut	May 28, 1966
Other	Songwriting	BMI hit-songwriter awards
Other	Acting	Film (Honeysuckle Rose) and stage productions

Wrapping Up

• Jeannie Seely, the undisputed queen of Opry appearances, defies expectations at every turn.
• At 84, she’s not only the oldest working woman in country music, but she’s also proving that age is just a number.
• Her latest project, the rediscovery and recording of “Suffertime,” is a testament to her enduring love for music and her ability to find joy in new creative endeavors.
• Jeannie’s career achievements are undeniable. A Grand Ole Opry member for over 55 years, she holds the record for most appearances on the legendary stage.
• Her voice has graced countless albums, including the critically acclaimed “An American Classic,” featuring collaborations with Willie Nelson and other country music icons.
• However, awards and accolades take a backseat to Jeannie’s genuine love for music. She describes the Opry as “a way of life” and continues to perform with the same dedication and energy that captivated her as a child. Jeannie Seely is a true inspiration, a reminder that passion and creativity have no age limit.

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