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A resolution honoring Jeannie Seely for the most performances in the history of the Grand Ole Opry.
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WHEREAS, on September 16, 1967, Jeannie Seely became a member of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, becoming the first Pennsylvania native to be invited to join the Opry. In 2022 she celebrated her 55th Opry anniversary and she was recognized for having achieved over 5,000 Opry performances, more than any other artist in the Opry’s history. As of August 1, 2023, Jeannie has performed on the Opry a total of 5,306 times and looks forward to many more; and
WHEREAS, widely recognized for changing the image of female country performers, Jeannie was the first female to regularly host segments of the Grand Ole Opry, and she is also credited for wearing the first miniskirt on the Opry stage; and
WHEREAS, Jeannie was named "Most Promising New Artist" by trade publications Billboard, Cashbox, and Record World, and then went on to score No. 1 hit songs as a solo artist, as a duet partner, and as a songwriter. For 13 consecutive years Jeannie placed records on Billboard’s country singles chart. Her deeply moving vocals earned her the nickname of “Miss Country Soul,” a title still used today; and
WHEREAS, Jeannie’s debut album The Seely Style reached the Top 10 on Billboard in 1966, and Jeannie has since recorded twenty more albums including her most recent, An American Classic, on Curb Records. Her vocals can be heard on over 100 additional compilation albums and CDs including Clinch Mountain Sweethearts, the International Bluegrass Music Association’s “Recorded Event of the Year”; and
WHEREAS, with fellow Opry member Jack Greene, Jeannie formed one of the most successful duets and road shows in country music history. The Grammy-nominated duo performed everywhere from New York City’s Madison Square Garden to London’s Wembley Arena, and
WHEREAS, a BMI-awarded songwriter, Jeannie’s compositions have been recorded by Country Music Hall of Fame Members Dottie West, Hank Williams Jr., Faron Young, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Ernest Tubb, Connie Smith, Grandpa Jones, and Little Jimmy Dickens, as well as other artists including Irma Thomas, Norma Jean, Tex Williams, Lorrie Morgan, Jack Greene, Johnny Carver, Doyle Lawson, Chris LeDoux, Justin Trevino, Charlie Walker, John Hartford, Seal, Boys II Men, Rhonda Vincent, Jessica Brown-Findlay, Samantha Whates, Dailey & Vincent, and more. Her song “Yours” was named “Song of the Year” at the 2022 Arkansas Country Music Awards; and
WHEREAS, Jeannie appeared in movies and major stage productions including Could It Be Love, Takin’ It Home, and Everybody Loves Opal, Jeannie also appeared in the movie Changing Hearts with Faye Dunaway and Lauren Holly. Jeannie published her own successful book of witticisms titled Pieces of a Puzzled Mind which is still in print today. Jeannie served as a radio disc jockey on her own Armed Forces Network Show and traveled on military tours throughout Europe and Asia. Jeannie currently hosts her own weekly show Sunday with Seely on SiriusXM’s “Willie’s Roadhouse” channel; and
WHEREAS, Jeannie has received numerous accolades, awards, and honors throughout her long career including the prestigious Colonel Aide-de-Camp Award from Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and her own star in the Music City Walk of Fame; and
WHEREAS, in 2019 Jeannie received the inaugural "Standing Ovation Award" at the "Influencing Women Awards" presented by the Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce Women in Business. Jeannie’s name was then added to the award which annually recognizes a woman who has demonstrated influence and significance in the entertainment industry and who has advocated for other women by mentoring and supporting them in their professional success. Jeannie remains actively involved in numerous charitable, community, and civic organizations and projects; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize the immeasurable contributions Jeannie Seely has made to county music, the Grand Ole Opry, and Nashville.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as honoring Jeannie Seely for her many contributions to Nashville’s Country Music industry and her long career and thousands of performances on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Jeannie Seely.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.