August 04, 2025 - 358 views
In Memoriam: Jeannie Seely
“Miss Country Soul” – A Voice That Echoes Forever
With profound sadness, we say farewell to Jeannie Seely—Grammy Award winner, Grand Ole Opry legend, and one of country music’s most enduring and beloved voices. For over six decades, Jeannie captivated audiences around the world with her powerful vocals, unshakable spirit, and signature blend of tenderness and tenacity.
From the moment her 1966 album The Seely Style debuted on the Billboard Top 10, Jeannie carved out a space uniquely her own in country music history. Her 1967 Grammy-winning performance of “Don’t Touch Me” remains one of the genre’s most emotionally resonant recordings, and her work as a songwriter and duet partner added even more depth to her already storied career. Her songs have been recorded by legends and newcomers alike, including Hall of Fame members—proof of her lyrical brilliance and timeless artistry.
Jeannie was more than a chart-topping artist—she was a trailblazer. The first Pennsylvania native to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, she would go on to become the first woman to regularly host its segments, paving the way for generations of female performers to follow. And in true Jeannie fashion, she did it all with style—mini-skirt and all—redefining tradition without ever losing the heart of country.
Her wit was as sharp as her voice was soulful. Through her book Pieces of a Puzzled Mind, fans caught a glimpse of her humor and wisdom, one clever turn of phrase at a time. Offstage, she was a tireless advocate for artists and musicians, never hesitating to lend her voice to those behind the scenes of the industry she loved so deeply.
In 2018, Jeannie was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame and once again caught national attention when her 1964 co-write “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” resurfaced on the Billboard Top TV Songs Chart thanks to Black Mirror and the Jurassic World franchise—a testament to how her music continues to move and inspire new generations.
As a beloved host on SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse, she brought warmth, humor, and treasured memories to listeners each week. Whether sharing stories behind the songs or spinning classics and deep cuts alike, Jeannie always made it feel like you were sitting beside her on a front porch somewhere, reminiscing.
Music critic Robert K. Oermann once said, “With her chin-out, tough/tender, heart-of-gold manner, Jeannie Seely remains one of country’s most completely modern female personalities.” That truth remains even now.
Jeannie Seely was country soul personified. She leaves behind a legacy of songs, stories, and strength—a legacy that will echo through the halls of the Opry and the hearts of fans forever.
Rest in peace, Jeannie. The curtain may have closed, but your song plays on.
On Tuesday August 5, 2025 at 9:00pm Eastern / 8:00pm Central - The very first interview "The Don" and with Jeanie Seely was a memorable one back in 2020 when he had "The Don's Hit List w/ The Don & Grizz". Tune into PressPlayRadio.com at that time to listen. You can also hear it at FABRadioInternational.com at the Press Play Radio button.
Comments(0)