18. Jeannie Seely

Jeannie was born the youngest of four children in 1940 in Pennsylvania. Although her parents were not connected to the industry, she got inspiration for her future career from the two of them. Her father played banjo at local square dances and her mother sang around the house with the four kids. As a teenager, she began singing on local radio and television stations. Around the age of 21, Jeannie got tired of Pennsylvanian winters and moved to California. Getting secretary positions at record labels allowed her a foot in the door. She began writing songs. Her first song was picked up by R&B singer Irma Thomas, who turned it into a pop hit. Some more of her songs were recorded by Country Music Hall Of Fame inductees Connie Smith, Willie Nelson and Dottie West. Dottie then convinced her to move to Nashville. After some exposure on Porter Wagoner’s show, Jeannie was offered a recording contract. In 1966, she released what would be a huge hit and her eventual signature song “Don’t Touch Me”. The success of this song got her a Grammy award and an offer to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. No other songs she recorded would match that success, but she continued getting hits into the 1970’s. But the other impressive part of her country music resume is that she has continued to this day performing at the Grand Ole Opry, eventually appearing on more episodes than any other performer in the show’s history (over 5000 appearances). Maybe someday she will also add Country Music Hall Of Fame member to that wonderful resume.