From American Songwriter · Erinn Callahan · · 1m 10s
Jeannie C. Riley: Texas Country Star
Texas-born country singer Jeannie C. Riley turned small-town dreams into a 1968 pop-country hit that defined her legacy.
In brief
Texas-born country singer Jeannie C. Riley turned small-town dreams into a 1968 pop-country hit that defined her legacy. Jeannie C. Riley, born in Texas in 1945, became the first woman to top both country and pop charts with 'Harper Valley P.T.A.' in 1968. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Born in Texas
Jeannie C. Riley was born in Anson, Texas, on October 19, 1945.
Early Life
She spent part of her childhood in a house with no foundation and dreamed of singing in Nashville.
Teenage Singing
She performed at the Jones County Jamboree singing Ray Price and Jean Shepard songs.
Marriage and Move
She married Mickey Riley in 1966 and moved to Nashville after he quit his job.
Breakthrough Hit
Her 1968 song 'Harper Valley P.T.A.' topped both country and pop charts, making her the first woman to do so.
Mixed Blessing
She considered 'Harper Valley P.T.A.' a mixed blessing, saying it took on a life of its own after release.
Later Career
She later focused on gospel music and married Billy Starnes in 2012, living in Brenham, Texas.
What it means
Jeannie C. Riley, born in Texas in 1945, became the first woman to top both country and pop charts with 'Harper Valley P.T.A.' in 1968.
