Flashback To 1968: Jeannie C. Riley Strikes Gold With “Harper Valley P.T.A.”

kkiilljjooy / YouTube

This classic story of a Harper Valley widow made history in more than one way…

In 1968, after two hard years in Nashville, Jeannie C. Riley launched a single that would change the landscape of country music forever. Riley’s famous “Harper Valley PTA” was written by Tom. T. Hall and recorded as part of a demo set that caught the ear of a record producer.

This classic story-telling track immediately became a hit soaring to the No. 1 spot on both the Billboard Country and Billboard Pop charts. This shocking triumph would not happen again until Dolly Parton‘s “9 to 5” was released over a decade later.

Riley has earned many awards for this country classic including a Grammy, Single Of The Year, and multiple Grammy nominations across several genres.

This song is a humorous tale of a widow, Ms. Johnson, in Harper Valley who receives a letter from the PTA scolding her for behaviors they deem unacceptable. Her response to them is amazing.

Check out the video below to learn what happened in Harper Valley!

Want to save this article?

Get this sent to your inbox, plus, get new articles & videos from us every week!

Sponsors / Partners


Interested in becoming a partner?

Contact us for more info

Unapologetically Country

Receive daily updates with the best country music videos, news, and more!