Harper Valley P.T.A. – Jeannie C. Riley

This is a vintage live performance by Jeannie C. Riley of her hit song, “Harper Valley P.T.A.”, written by Tom T. Hall.

Riley was raised in Anson, Texas. This song immediately became a gigantic hit for Riley and went to number one on both the Billboard Pop and Country charts, a feat not repeated until 1981 when Dolly Parton released “9 to 5”. Riley and the song became an overnight sensation, and the song earned her the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and the Country Music Association Single of the Year award. Riley also became one of the very few country artists ever nominated in the major pop Grammy categories of “Best New Artist” and “Record of the Year”.

The song was a phenomenon which led to Riley making country music history in 1969 as the first female vocalist to have her own major network variety special, “Harper Valley U.S.A.” Then in 1978 there was “Harper Valley PTA” the motion picture, and in 1981 “Harper Valley PTA” the television show.

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