By Judy Shields
Rancho Cucamonga, California (The Hollywood Times) 9/24/2020 – “I could not be more proud of my new album An American Classic and all the talented folks that helped to be a part of these special songs.” Jeannie Seely told The Hollywood Times during a phone interview.
Our interview also didn’t happen. When we connected, Jeannie said they were having hurricane type weather in Nashville and she was not sure she was going to even be able to have the interview. But she is a strong and positive Woman and said she was grabbing a bottle of water and taking herself a sip, let’s do this.
It sure was an honor to speak to her. I love listening to her on Willie’s Roadhouse part of Sirius Radio on Sunday afternoon. She even sang happy birthday to my father. When I played the recording, it brought tears to his eyes and he said in his 92 years on this earth, he never dreamed of a Grand Ole Opry star would sing happy birthday to him! That meant the world to both of us.
Listen to our telephone conversation here:
Seely continues to celebrate her 80th birthday with the release of her album, An American Classic on Curb Records. The release offers an immediate download of her duet with longtime friend, Willie Nelson, who plays guitar and sings on “Not A Dry Eye In The House” written by Dallas Wayne. An American Classic is available to order, save and add by clicking on this link https://JeannieSeely.lnk.to/
“There is simply no way to express how proud I am of this album! Everything about the making of it has been an honor…working with Don Cusic as producer, having the classic guests, finding classic songs, and most importantly for it to be on Curb Records,” shared Jeannie Seely. “Mike Curb has done so much for our industry and for my work to be added to his legacy is more than I could have ever imagined. We hope you will enjoy An American Classic!”
Do not miss the opportunity to add this album to your classic country collection. It would be a great Holiday gift this year, especially to bring smiles back to those that you love after this 2020 pandemic. Thank you Jeannie Seely for giving us all some wonderful music brought to us by you and your country and bluegrass family. No wonder it is called An American Classic, Jeannie Seely is truly an American Class Act! Thank God for songwriters and country singers.
Jeannie Seely – An American Classic Track List:
1. “So Far, So Good” – Songwriters Penn Pennington & Mitch Ballard – Recorded with The Whites (Sharon and Cheryl)
2. “If You Could Call It That” – Songwriters Dottie West, Steve Wariner and Bobby Tomberlin – Recorded with Steve Wariner. Dottie West left a notebook of song ideas and Steve Wariner and Bobby Tomberlin finished the song. Dottie and Jeannie were close friends.
3. “To Make a Dream Come True” – Songwriter C.W. “Buddy” Kalb Jr. – Buddy Kalb wrote “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” for Ray Stevens, and “Frog Kissing” for Chet Atkins.
4. “Teach Me Tonight” – Songwriters Sammy Cahn and Gene De Paul – This was originally a hit for Jo Stafford in 1954; it has also been recorded by Janet Brace, Dinah Washington, Helen Graco, the De Castro Sisters and the McGuire Sisters.
5. “Can I Sleep in Your Arms” – Songwriter Hank Cochran – This was a top ten hit for Jeannie in 1974. Original was produced by legendary producer Walter Haynes. Released in July 1973 under MCA Records, the song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Magazine Hot Country Singles chart, becoming Seely’s first top ten solo hit since 1968, and first major hit on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada, reaching #4. The song, written by Seely’s one-time husband Hank Cochran, was also recorded by Willie Nelson for his classic album, Red Headed Stranger.
6. “All Through Crying Over You’” – Songwriter Jeannie Seely – Recorded with Rhonda Vincent. This song is a country “shuffle” that features Rhonda Vincent, reigning queen of Bluegrass music, whose recent #1 hit, “Like I Could,” was written by Jeannie Seely.
Rhonda Vincent Receives Grand Ole Opry Member Invitation from Jeannie Seely: February 2020
7. “When Two Worlds Collide” – Songwriters Roger Miller and Bill Anderson – Recorded with Bill Anderson. Roger Miller and Bill Anderson are both in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Was originally a hit for Roger Miller in 1961; later was a chart single for Jim Reeves and Jerry Lee Lewis.
8. “Not a Dry Eye in the House” – Songwriter Dallas Wayne – Recorded with Willie Nelson who sings and plays his famous guitar, “Trigger,” on this song.
9. “Peaceful Waters”- Songwriter Don Cusic – Celtic-flavored song with bagpipes; harkens back to the British Isles roots of country music.
10. “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)” – Songwriters Pebe Sebert and Hugh Moffatt – Recorded with Waylon Payne. Was originally a hit for Joe Sun in 1978; was a number one single for Dolly Parton in 1980. Jeannie Seely recorded this song with Jody Payne, Willie Nelson’s longtime guitar player. Waylon is the son of the late country star, Sammi Smith, and Jody Payne.
11. “That’s How I Roll” – Songwriters Tim Atwood & Brent Ronen – Recorded with Lorrie Morgan on vocals, and Vince Gill on guitar, this is a rockabilly rockin’ song with super-slick piano.
12. “Don’t Touch Me” – Songwriter Hank Cochran – Jeannie’s first hit in 1967; she won the Best Female Country Vocal Performance accolade at the GRAMMY® Awards.
13. “Dance Tonight” – Songwriter Paul McCartney – Recorded with Ray Stevens, who sings a duet with Jeannie on this song. Written by former Beatle, Paul McCartney.
Stay in touch with Jeannie Seely on her podcast website and all of her social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Jeannie Seely:
Country music legend Jeannie Seely 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. Keep up with all things Jeannie Seely at www.jeannieseely.com.