# Jeannie C. Riley's 1968 Hit

> Jeannie C. Riley recorded 'Harper Valley PTA' as a favor for friends, hitting No. 1 globally in 1968.
- Title: Jeannie C. Riley's 1968 Hit · American Songwriter | Shortify
- Summary: Jeannie C. Riley recorded 'Harper Valley PTA' as a favor for friends, hitting No. 1 globally in 1968.
- Keywords: jeannie c. riley, harper valley pta, hot country songs, hot 100, bobbie gentry, ode to billie joe, tom t hall, music, culture, Jeannie, Riley's, 1968
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/on-this-day-in-1968-jeannie-c-riley-was-at-no-1-with-an-international-hit-that-she-recorded-as-a-favor-to-a-friend
- Author: Clayton Edwards
- Published: 2026-10-10T00:32:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jeannie c. riley, harper valley pta, hot country songs, hot 100, bobbie gentry, ode to billie joe, tom t hall, music, culture
## Jeannie C. Riley's 1968 Hit
On October 9, 1968, Jeannie C. Riley topped both the Hot Country Songs and Hot 100 charts with 'Harper Valley PTA.'
## Songwriting Inspiration
Tom T. Hall wrote 'Harper Valley PTA' after visiting Harpeth Valley Elementary School in 1967.
## Recording as a Favor
Riley recorded 'Harper Valley PTA' for friends after they promised her a B-side if she would cut it.

> I did it for them. Mad at myself for saying yes when I wanted to say no. Upset at them for putting me on the spot. And yet, I loved them so much. I never harbored any bad thoughts toward them.
## Immediate Success
The song hit No. 1 in Canada and Australia and started a three-week run at No. 1 on September 28, 1968.
## Key takeaway

Jeannie C. Riley recorded 'Harper Valley PTA' as a favor for friends, becoming the first woman to top both country and pop charts in 1968.