Billy Ray Cyrus Tells The Story Of The ‘Harper Valley PTA’ From A Male’s Point-Of-View

In 1968, Jeannie C. Riley rose to super stardom with the release of her mega-hit “Harper Valley PTA”.

She became the first woman to top both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at the same time. The only other woman to do so is Dolly Parton with “9 to 5” twelve years later.

Almost every female singer of that time released a cover version including Parton, Loretta Lynn, Norma Jean, Lynn Anderson, Jeannie Seely, Lorrie Morgan and Dottie West. Billy Ray Cyrus was one of very few men who have covered the song. 

Almost 30 years after the initial release of “Harper Valley PTA”, Cyrus included his version on his 1996 album Trail of Tears.

The song is a humorous tale of Mrs. Johnson, a widow, who receives a note from her daughter’s school’s PTA, the Harper Valley PTA, scolding her for her supposedly scandalous behavior and basically calling her an unfit mother.

She marches into the next PTA meeting in her miniskirt and points out a few indiscretions of a few board members.

In Riley’s version, she reveals she is Mrs. Johnson’s daughter, but in Cyrus’ version, he is just telling the story.

In his music video, he is performing on top of Harper Valley Middle School and he interrupts the PTA meeting. A huge crowd gathers for his performance and the PTA is forced to come outside and address the situation, but they are pulled into the crowd by Cyrus’ fans.

It’s just an all-around good time music video with Cyrus singing some great music.

On September 9th, Cyrus will be releasing some more great music on his new album, Thin Line. The album features a duet with Aerosmith rocker Joe Perry, and a few songs featuring each of his very talented children, Miley, Trace, and Braison.

To preorder Thin Line on Amazon, click here and to preorder on iTunes click here. Preordering the album will give you an instant download of two brand new tracks!

 

Watch the “Harper Valley PTA” video below.