Flashback To 1968: Jeannie C. Riley Strikes Gold With “Harper Valley P.T.A.”
on Sep 28, 2015 • Updated May 11, 2022
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.
📺DEBUT: The series 'Harper Valley PTA' starring @Barbara_Eden premiered 38 years ago tonight, January 16, 1981 on NBC pic.twitter.com/yAVnp9sbLb
— RetroNewsNow (@RetroNewsNow) January 17, 2019
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.
All The Hits Harper Valley Pta – Jeannie C Riley Everyday! pic.twitter.com/WsLxtg8pYb
— MoreFm Network (@more_es) April 2, 2019
Riley has earned many awards for this country classic including a Grammy, Single Of The Year, and multiple Grammy nominations across several genres.
Today in 1968, Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley P.T.A." didn't skirt social issues https://t.co/35LUNboaeC pic.twitter.com/UYHF2IrtA4
— billboard (@billboard) September 28, 2016
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!
