Jeannie C. Riley, born Jeanne Carolyn Stephenson on October 19, 1945, in Anson, Texas, is an American country music and gospel singer who catapulted to fame with her 1968 hit, “Harper Valley P.T.A.” This song not only earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance but also made history by simultaneously topping the Billboard Country and Pop Singles charts, a rare achievement that spotlighted her as a groundbreaking artist in the genre. The narrative of “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” which tells the story of a single mother confronting the hypocrisy of a local parent-teacher association, resonated with a wide audience and became a defining moment in country music, cementing Riley's place in the annals of the genre.

Following the success of “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” Jeannie C. Riley continued to release music that combined traditional country with elements that appealed to a broader pop audience. Her albums, such as “Jeannie,” “Here’s Jeannie C.,” and “The Music City Sessions,” further established her as a versatile and influential performer. Throughout her career, she transitioned into gospel music, showcasing her range and depth as an artist. Albums like “Praise Him” highlight her spiritual side, drawing on her roots in gospel to engage a different facet of her considerable fan base. Despite the shifts in her musical focus over the years, Riley remains best known for her role in challenging the country music establishment and opening doors for more narrative-driven, socially conscious songs. Her catalogue, including live performances like the medley on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and collections like “Harper Valley P.T.A. (The Plantation Recordings 1968-70),” serve as a testament to her enduring impact on music and culture.

Genres

Classic Country Pop

Related Artists

Dolly Parton

Loretta Lynn

Tammy Wynette

Patsy Cline

Connie Smith

Tanya Tucker

Barbara Mandrell

Crystal Gayle

Lynn Anderson

Billie Jo Spears

Dottie West

Linda Ronstadt

Latest Release

The U.S. Air Force Song (Wild Blue Yonder)/Marines' Hymn (The Halls Of Montezuma)/Anchors Aweigh [Medley/Live On The Ed Sullivan Show, March 7, 1971]

Jeannie C. Riley•

Roy Clark

Single - Released September 11, 2021