First Time Hearing JEANNIE C. RILEY “HARPER VALLEY P.T.A.” | Reaction

[@sonnycathey5091]

At the height of this song my Dad was a chief of police in a small town in Texas. He notice in the early morning hours that the lights were on in a self serve laundromat that should have been closed. So he pulled around back and there was a touring bus parked there. He went in and Jeanie C. Riley was washing her cloths along with the Band. He sat there and talked to her until she finished the laundry. I still have the picture she signed for him.

[@jamesroyce1845]

That's a wonderful anecdote.

[@pageribe2399]

Great story.

[@the_Real_Grammy_of_6]

OMG 🤣 I can’t believe this is the reaction song!! I have a story that has to do with this song. About 2 weeks ago, my 9 year old grandson had no school, so he wanted to “go hang out with my Grammy”. Since my husband passed away last year, I now live in a very small 1 bedroom apartment. And I am still downsizing. So I’m working around the area and my grandson is watching a movie (helping me when I ask) on my daughter’s iPad. I like to have music playing while I’m cleaning. So I put on one of my country music playing. But I decided to use my headphones so I wouldn’t bother my grandson. I always sing along to some or all of my songs. But I forgot that I couldn’t hear myself, not like he could hear me. I told him that I was going to listen to music. But I failed to mention that I would be using headphones. So when he didn’t hear any music playing, he threw I changed my mind. Anyway 3-4 songs in, Harper Valley PTA came on and I have known every word of that song for as many as I can remember. So I’m belting out that song (Prince said “Party Like It’s 1999. I was singing “Like I Sang Better Than Adele” of any year) He had no idea that I had headphones on and was singing along. If I had sang to a song that he knew, he would have known. But it’s way before his time, he had no idea. Anyway when the song was over, and I took my bows (J/K. I may forget that I am not a singer at all, but I’m not crazy) (🤔🤔..no I’m not😁) Afterwards, my grandson taps me on the shoulder, scared me, and I jumped (I was very glad that I only jumped…at my age??) Anyway, I took off the headphones and looked at my grandson. He had tears rolling down his cheeks. Even though the song was sang from the daughter’s point of view, my grandson..NOT KNOWING about the music I was listening to, he thought I was singing a song about the PTA being mean to me. I almost cried that he was so concerned about me. I explained why I was singing, but I could tell that he doubted me (because I wouldn’t want him to worry). I had to actually move the music from my headphones to my blu tooth speaker and play the song. My sweet little boy🩵🩵 I am still surprised by the song today.

[@darlenewells1255]

Never underestimate Country music's ability to tell a story about absolutely ANYTHING🤣

[@finallythere100]

How the American school boards have changed …

[@jimbearone]

Small town politics, the P.T.A. especially in the Deep South are a bunch of gossiping busybodies in the 1950’s / 1960’s / 1970’s. This song was supposed to have come about because of an incident in a small town in South Carolina that involved a widow and one of the local business owners who was unmarried because the women of the P.T.A. were jealous and he was quite handsome and the widow young and pretty.

[@chrispavlich9656]

The “Deep South” does not hold a monopoly on gossiping and interfering in other people’s business.

[@channonskinner50]

1950's? Still is!

[@firefighterchick]

So glad you got to this! The writer was Tom T Hall and he stated although the names are fictional the story is true. It won a Grammy in 1968 for best Country song. She was the first female singer to have the number one spot on the Top 100 charts and Hot Country Singles at the same time with the same song. Dolly Parton would be the second female singer in 1981 with her song 9 to 5.

[@pageribe2399]

Yes, supposedly took place in the Harpeth Valley, TN.

[@joannlandrum6171]

I can remember watching the tv movie based on this song in the late 70's. It starred Barbara Eden

[@thewindle]

This song was made into a movie and then a TV series both staring Barbra Eden, better known as Jennie

[@trixiewheeler3483]

I remember that, it was really good!

[@jamesfish2177]

I remember this song well from when I was just a little kid. I remember the PTA sending a note home to my parents about something I said at school...something about my parents being divorced, but they weren't. They needed that addressed right them. Very small town and embarrassed my parents to death! LOL They were truly like that back in the day! They aren't like that anymore, around where I live anyway!

[@beagrinton5934]

You should play it at your next PTA meeting for a laugh 🤣

[@williamlidster5850]

The person who wrote this song is country music legend “Tom T. Hall” whose nickname was the storyteller!

[@darkomtobia]

Tom T Hall is worth a series, imo

[@lynnsoeth5301]

Oh my gosh! I haven't heard this in years! Memory lane for sure!

[@dagmar.6954]

Jeannie C. Riley is best known for her 1968 country & pop hit "Harper Valley PTA". But she had some other songs such as "The Girl Most Likely", "There Never Was A Time," "The Rib," "The Back Side of Dallas," "Country Girl," "Oh Singer," & "Good Enough To Be Your Wife". Later she became a born-again Christian and began recording gospel music during the late 1970's.

[@deeannaestep9375]

Tom T Hall (songwriter and singer in his own right) and Jeannie C Riley are both excellent rabbit holes to go down.

[@JohnPaul-hm2ys]

From early school years, it was catchy. Only later did I understand it. PTA's were really like this back then. Going into 3rd grade, my parents were informed that I needed to stop being left handed, which could cause me to have artistic tendencies (1971 meaning - homosexual). Mom's response: "then he will be artistic!". As I grew up, she loved her macho baby boy with artistic talents, who shocked everyone by coming out as a teen in 1981. She would laugh and say I am gay because I sneezed once and a teacher did not say "god bless you", allowing the demons to get in. Had to love her. (RIP)

[@neolithiumproduction]

Sounds like an amazing mom. =)

[@tinamarcum6170]

Sorry for your loss. I am also left handed born in 1958, I was lucky I was never told to use my right hand. I also always notice left handed people, on TV out in public, I'll say Look their left handed lol

[@libertybell8852]

My youngest can use both equally. I always notice left handed people too. Lol!!

[@JohnPaul-hm2ys]

My mom was an amazing parent, I was lucky to have her for 56 years

[@shannonmcdougall478]

My dad in tbe 40s had his left hand tied behind his back to force right hand dominance. He went back to left hand later. Was able to write well at the same time with both. Most of his Grandkids are left handed.

[@laoaganlester1728]

Small town and it was in the 50's that is why the PTA was so involved with the lives of both parents and children from the school of the children.

[@bekahms]

I laughed when you said you'd never heard of a song about the PTA...I knew what was coming!

[@tenerceeman]

There is a seuel to the song, "Return to Harper Valley" which takes place about 15 years after the events of this song.

[@larae6129]

They made TV show called Harper Valley PTA in 70s with Barbara Eden..

[@dianayount2122]

boy named sue, ode to billy joe, etc just a great time for songs..

[@shawnsmith2052]

Thank you for a good response and sincerity, Jeanie C. Riley is a class act

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

It was written by the late and great storyteller, Tom T Hall. He was reluctant to record it himself, as it is related from a scorned woman's point of view. It was eventually made into a movie, starring Barbara Eden (of "I Dream of Jeannie" fame)

[@robsutherland5744]

Wow. What a flashback. This was always a feel good song. Thanks for this reaction.

[@jheit1369]

Loved this as a movie too!

[@larynanntapp6333]

You should show this to your PTA...just for fun!

[@chriscalfee9593]

Oh what a gem you found

[@BobBlanchardMarketer]

Great reactions bro! Glad you like our American country. Brits gave us a LOT of music and glad we can return the favor👍🏻🎼

[@reneerollins4433]

Fantastic song written by Tom T Hall. You should do a reaction to his song " Old Dogs and Children "

[@Amaberean]

The song is called “Watermelon Wine”. Sigh

[@darkomtobia]

Old Dogs, Children And Watermelon Wine. It's even printed on vinyl album cover that way.

[@reneerollins4433]

Well damn, sorry I left a word out. Didn't know I'd get crucified for it🤣

[@trixiewheeler3483]

Renee Rollins, I agree.. One of my very favorite Tom T. Hall songs!

[@woodintheblood4104]

Not Jenine, it's Jeannie. Common mistake. Great reaction. Keep them coming!!

[@arlenehenry1097]

Thx for reacting to it. I completely forget bout this little jewel. Yeah, u can visualize the story. Thx 👍👏.

[@mildredpierce4506]

This song came out in 1968 when I was only 5 years old.

[@denicesanders4586]

My mother loved this song. She bought the single and played it and danced to it. Odd since Momma was really straight laced. I remember her drinking a glass of champagne once. In all the years I knew her she only had that 1 glass of champagne. Anyway, she wasca PTA officer too. She was a character.

[@MithrilMagic]

My Mom had this on vinyl and it was one of my favorites. We used to sing it together all the time! We still do on occasion. This one makes me giggle every time I hear it! It makes me smile❤

[@aprilmothershed4275]

They made a tv show about this song i remember watching it when i was a kid

[@peterstanghellini393]

I love the story telling and the melody

[@freedomluvr5126]

That song is just a simple little morality play. Remember that it was sung back in the 60s supposedly by the daughter of the heroic Mrs. Johnson, so the event would have probably taken place in the 50s. Big difference in the small-town Christian PTA back then and the much more secular UK of today. Like you said though, good song and it was amazingly successful in both the Top 40 and Country genres. I was there! Good reaction sir.

[@MissAmazanda]

This was made into a movie. I quite enjoyed it.

[@davidjo9683]

Excellent song. Love the way she delivered it,too.

[@KellyMargrave]

Awwww. you've just taken me back to my 5 year old little girl self. I still remember EVERY Word.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

No PTA I’ve ever heard of in the USA would do anything like send that letter to a parent. They were all about fund raising and improving the school and supplies for the students. That being said, I always loved this song.🐝🤗❤️

[@SBQDawn]

you clearly don't live in Wisconsin specifically mid sized towns and some of the small ones

[@lindabeckworth8637]

In the 50s this was common. We didn't get a letter but my mother was informed that I was barred from being a girl scout because my mother had been married 3 times and they felt I would be a bad influence on the other girls.My mother was more hurt than I was. She had saved up money to buy me a girl scout uniform.

[@firequeen2194]

@@lindabeckworth8637 now that just breaks my heart. You’re poor mama saved for that. I really detest self-righteous people who shouldn’t throw stones (glass houses).

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@SBQDawn No, I lived in a tiny place in Kentucky with about 300 people.🐝🤗❤️

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@lindabeckworth8637 awwww, how cruel! Such people have no business having anything to do with children. They were the ones who were the bad influence.😔

[@beegee1960]

This was a massive hit the year it came out.

[@Kell-hee-hee-hee]

Howdee! Have you gotten any suggestions for Lynn Anderson, "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden?" The live video is intimate but when the audience starts dancing...pretty funny. My Dad died in '75 when I was 6 and Lynn was a favorite of his. He used to buy Breyer horse models for me - was going to buy me a horse at 7 - I'm a shrimp - and I also have Lynn's Sorrel Breyer horse model whose name I can't remember. Still do...don't make the models like they used to...if I hadn't played with them, they'd be worth something.

[@philipdickey6460]

It’s self explanatory, a P.TA. pointing out the faults of a parent, while having problems of their own staff

[@marybaillie8907]

Such a great classic. I knew you would love this Craig. Makes you wonder how many little towns are like this around the world. So much fun. Great reaction. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@Tabby_Angela]

Love this song! Gotta love hypocrites getting what they deserve 😆

[@karmicscope5259]

I love how you’ve done the background with enlarged blur. Excellent.

[@jewelsdragonfly1]

another great story telling song is Mississippi Squirrel Revival. You would get a bang out of it

[@seanjohnson6186]

I am now old enough to be a grandmother and every time I see this video I still want a pair of white go-go boots.

[@bobbimccain2385]

I had a pair of white knee high go go boots. I wore them with black fish net stockings & a mini skirt. Good Lord, what was my mom thinking? Looking back at my Jr high photos I still get embarrassed to this day. 4 years later , my going away dress from my wedding party was so short there was no way I could have leaned over even the slightest. Good thing I had shapely legs because then came hot pants & Daisy Dukes. lol😂

[@beverly.alford]

One of my all 👏 time 👏 favorites 👏

[@aletmartins6940]

You should play the song for your PTA!😂 Remember this was 1968 and miniskirts were risque!

[@peggypieters661]

This was and probably still is the way it was in small towns and saw this first hand in a small town in Kentucky in the ‘60s; gossip galore, and everyone seemed to immerse themselves in everyone else’s’ business. The PTA in the States goes way back to when I was a kid in the ‘50s and 60s and stands for the Parent Teachers Association. It used to be really worthwhile back in the day, but education over here is so messed up that nothing much can benefit it at this point. This was a song, though, that was a lot more fact than fiction,at least in smaller more rural towns when I was growing up. I am happy that you enjoyed it, and it did bring back memories.😊

[@pjb3583]

I wondered what you would think of the song after your wonderful introduction, and I’m glad it didn’t offend you! This was in a time when the older, established beacons of society were outraged at the young with their hippie ways and lax morals. They didn’t hesitate to criticize what they objected to, and the growing legions of younger adults soon learned to sass them right back. Ah, the good ol’ days! Fun song and a fun reaction. Well done. Peace from Ohio …

[@jmcquown]

Thanks for your reaction! This song was essentially saying "Let those who live in glass houses cast the first stone". The PTA (yes, Parent Teacher Association) wants to criticize her behavior? Let's shine some light on their behavior! The song was written by Tom T. Hall, who was known as a country music story-teller. Loved her voice.

[@arlenejones2473]

Voice kind of reminds me of UK's Lulu.

[@jaq4608]

She spilled all the tea! 😂😂😂

[@travis8981]

I absolutely love your reactions, keep up the good work

[@KenMinor-ek1xs]

The song is based on a true story

[@gregorywolford6005]

This is true even to this day. Most small towns even in the northern part of the United States it happens. Especially since everyone knows each other

[@asherasspirit7727]

HAHAHA my Mama is laughing, she hasn't heard it in a while she said. Very nice! 😂

[@jeanniewolfenbarker3962]

We had a karaoke system here at home for years and that was one of my favorites to sing. Miss that a lot.

[@cindyphifer970]

This was a big hit when it came out. You are correct about PTA definition

[@the_Real_Grammy_of_6]

Hey there Craig 👋. Hope you & your family are doing awesome!!

[@cliffmorain7215]

I think there is a movie also called the harper Valley P.T.A. (Barbara Eden)? stared in this, song is from the late 60's I believe.

[@loribrooks7273]

I've bet you've never gone to a P.T.A. meeting like that before!😂

[@stephanietip]

I have loved this song for many years.She is a sassy little thing isn't she.You should branch out and do a movie reaction.I suggest Harper Valley PTA.Yes,it was made into a movie.Or just watch it on your own.Tou will love it.

[@lefty3141591]

I think the topics have changed, but way to many Americans are quick to judge others and will use any excuse to criticize them. As others have mentioned, Tom T Hall wrote this song. He was a good singer and a master song writer. I'd suggest checking him out. A few suggestions: Faster Horses The Year That Clayton Delaney Died Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine. Thanks for a fun reaction.

[@beagrinton5934]

She makes me just giggle all the way through 😅

[@donnalehman6805]

Jeannie is absolutely adorable.

[@BelleDede01]

Since you did this song, then I suggest you doing the sequel to this one called Return to Harper Valley PTA (Parent Teacher Association). Now by the time this new one came out, Jeannie had become pretty religious and toned it down quite a bit. It's an update on what's been going on in Harper Valley and this time, she's a grandmother. Very interesting. Still like the first one, but the sequel is good too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXLWgmptZ7unh5Y Love from Canada

[@G-grandma_Army]

Never heard of this. I’m going to have to watch it.

[@delisamarchetti5926]

Hi, I sure do enjoy your channel and am a new subscriber. Having been a little girl in the late 60's this kind of thing absolutely did happen especially in the smaller rural town. My kind, sweet mother was one of those beautiful red haired 1960's mini skirt wearing mothers. She actually looked quite a bit like Jeanne C. Riley, and she got a lot of jealous looks from the other mothers in the town. :). It was a different world then, so different it is truly almost unrecognizable. Wearing a mini skirt , and not today's mini skirt mind you, but a skirt only two inches above the knee was truly just about the worst thing a mother could do. Enjoyed your reaction and hope you have a lovely day ahead.

[@Amaberean]

Written by the great Tom T. Hall This is the song that gave Tom T. his big break. This song was a Smash hit, and once it literally took over the Country, every star in Nashville looking for a hit record, wanted to know what else Tom T. had written. And as they say, the rest is history.

[@Kentuckyfatwhiteboy]

Good ole Tom, from Olive Hill Kentucky

[@Amaberean]

@@Kentuckyfatwhiteboy Yep. I was not really surprised when I heart Tom took his own life. From all I had read I knew he wouldn’t last too long after his wife Dixie passed. They were, like, joined at the hip.

[@Amaberean]

Yep. In Country we’ve lost Naomi Judd, Tom T, and further back Faron Young to suicide. And I’m sure I’m forgetting others. I’m like you, I used to go see Tom T at the Palamino Club in North Hollywood back in the 70’s (at least 30 times. We went there so often my brothers and I were on a first name basis with him lol) and I remember once he said from the stage “I wouldn’t want to go on without my Dixie” (he was a tad “lubed” lol) So, to tell the truth I was kind of expecting it eventually. My favorite artist (after Hank). And in my opinion, the best songwriter after Hank that Country Music ever had. I swear, the guy could write a song about ANYTHING.

[@robertbreedon9137]

Love the slide guitar on that resonator guitar. I just love the sound of a resonator guitar you can really make so many different sounds and styles with them.

[@jewls9697]

Dolly Parton does a song that isn't brought up much because she has so many great songs!! It's called...The Bargain Store is Open!! I think you'll like it! 🧚🏻‍♀️💜

[@paulajones1177]

I remember this song from when I was a kid. Back in the time this was written, it was common for the PTA to assume the role of a "morality police". They had no reservations about calling people out for their lifestyle or behavior. Thankfully, it isn't that way now.

[@jankreps5115]

When you said you were a member of the PTA I knew you didn’t know what was coming! Lol. you’ll have to listen to her sequel of this about the PTA a few years later! WNice reaction

[@jankreps5115]

I love that you’re the Director of your schools PTA! I was also President of my PTA at one time! It’s such an important organization that keeps parents and teachers working together to promote good things for the kids in their school! We never sent out any notices to parents Except to ask for help with the next benefit for the students! Good luck with the next project at your school!!

[@philipdickey6460]

A great song written by Tom . T. Hall

[@neolithiumproduction]

Gotta love a kickass mom socking it to the hypocrites. xD

[@jwb52z9]

Back decades ago, PTAs in the US tended to act as moral and ethical authorities for towns.

[@nogames8982]

They still try to do it now. PTs, HOA, just a bunch of Karen’s trying to run everybody else’s lives. Absolutely worthless.

[@Brenda-t4p3g]

The writer Tom T Hall is from my hometown Olive Hill Ky

[@heidibrown342]

Another song / artist that sings a fun song that is a great memory from my childhood (my dad loved the song), check out Leapy Lee with LITTLE ARROWS

[@spnbuff6311]

I agree with the comments about watching the movie. It's hilarious. I looked up the actress that played her daughter, and she played Audrey Rose in the the film by the same name. Good if you're in the mood for Halloween stuff. Loved your reaction, and glad that KZbin sent me a notification as I'm subscribed to your channel. I think they're a little behind, so I'm going to catch up.🙂

[@timl8302]

FYI - Mrs. Johnson was a beautician. This song was made in to a movie. Oh, yes, the culture hasd changed allot.

[@kevinsharpjr]

There's a sequel to this song called "Return To Harper Valley" by Jeanne C. Riley .

[@karenzigman45]

Don't forget this is "old school PTA". I don't think it works that way now or ever did. It's a great story 😁

[@barrywood7322]

She also did a follow up song to this “return to Harper Valley PTA” about how things had changed over the years.

[@jewls9697]

I loved your reaction to this great song! I've watched it like 4 times now! lol I just love to see your smile & head going back & forth like you were socking it to them like she was! I just love ❤️ your reactions. You can tell they are honest! Great job!!! Tbh I watch a lot of yours more than once!! 😁

[@cliffkelley6550]

This song was written by county legend Tom T. Hall who was known as " the story teller". Many of Tom's songs are story format. Check out " Watermelon wine". Pure gold writing. Or " I love".

[@lisaj4248]

You need to look for part 2 of that song, she did another, she sings about what happened to those in the first song.

[@firedoc5]

We had a family named Harper that owned a campground, and it was called Harper Valley a year or two before this song came out. And yes, they were active with the PTA, or at out tiny country school we had the PTO, Parent Teacher Organization.

[@juliacrabtree5198]

Fun song about "busy bodies"!!

[@johnbattles1002]

Yes, you're correct! They are the same in both countries. As you are, my Mom was a chairman (chairwoman!) for a couple of years when I was in elementary school in the early 60's. But ours was not as insidious as Harper Valley's was (at least, not that I was aware)! LOL! When Ms. Riley first came on the music scene and became popular, I was amazed to see her because I had a first cousin whose wife, Betty, looked just like her! By the way, it's "GEE'-NEE"(as in Aladdin's lamp "genie" pronunciation. Lol!) Great reaction!

[@DebbieBerrey]

This song remins me of my mom❤❤❤❤debbie

[@hackermusic3355]

I don't know of somebody getting a letter like that from the P.T.A. but I can certainly remember back when it wouldn't have surprised me because that's how the haughty people thought.

[@oldermusiclover]

this was written about a true story

[@roniboyd613]

The fun thing I like about this song is that I can visualize it as she's singing😁 And, I'll bet you can pick any subject and find a country song written about it!😂

[@s.johnson703]

Song by Tom T Hall. You should listen to Old dogs and Children and Watermelon Wine by Tom T Hall, classic ❤️🇨🇦

[@duanebuettner1787]

Great great

[@wynandgardiner]

You can also Listen to Fru Johnsen 1969 she sang this song i think in Swedish called Inger Lise Rypdal

[@judithhowell6654]

I didn't realize this was based on fact. Every time you hear a song or read a book it doesn't mean it actually happened. But there ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE OUT THERE who believe it's THEIR JOB to tell others how to live! World never really changes, does it? Enjoy listening to songs you choose and hearing your reactions. Keep on keeping on! (aging hippie here)

[@darrinlindsey]

There's a parody to this song, done by Ben Colder aka Sheb Wholey. It's called Harper Valley AAA. It's hilarious. It was really hard to find for awhile, but there is a video of it on KZbin now.