15 Jeannie Seely Songs That Inspired A Generation of Country Women

Jeannie Seely has been an iconic fixture in country music for more than half a century already. Born and raised in Titusville, Pennsylvania, she relocated to Music City in 1965 to pursue a career in music. And with her husky voice and deeply moving vocals, she began attracting attention. Jeannie Seely songs quickly reign the country radio.

Since then, she’s been known as “Miss Country Soul,” a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and has achieved chart-topping songs as a solo artist, duet partner, and songwriter. 

Let’s look back at some of her best hits. Keep on scrolling below to find out.

1. Don’t Touch Me

Written by one of country music’s most prolific and admired songwriters – and Jeannie Seely‘s then-husband – Hank Cochran, “Don’t Touch Me” became her biggest hit as a solo artist and has since been considered her signature song. 

She also won the Grammy award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for the song, making her the only third woman to earn such an award.

2. A Wanderin’ Man

It was actually Cochran who first brought Seely to the music scene and helped her earn a recording contract. So, it made sense that her second studio album contained the best songs in Cochran’s catalog – including the major hit “A Wanderin’ Man,” which showcased Seely’s silky smooth vocals.

3. Not a Dry Eye in the House

Seely has no plans of slowing down. In fact, she just released an album in 2020 called An American Classic. The thirteen-track collection includes a duet with Willie Nelson, “Not a Dry Eye in the House,” which earned thousands of streams before the album was released.

4. Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You

The poignant ballad was the first among the many duets of Seely and Jack Greene. The two talented singers earned Vocal Duo of the Year nominations at the Country Music Association Awards for four consecutive years.

5. Can I Sleep in Your Arms

After a five-year hiatus on the country chart, Seely returned to the top ten courtesy of “Can I Sleep in Your Arms.” Sharing its melody with the traditional cowboy song “Red River Valley,” Seely’s soulful vocals blended traditional country with a more modern sound.

6. He’s All I Need

Co-written by Seely with her friend and fellow country singer Dottie West, the poignant and powerful ballad is a conjuring image of a brokenhearted ex-lover. But according to Seely, the inspiration for the song actually did not come from a broken heart. 

Instead, it came to life when West made a joke, saying she’d steal Seely’s guitar player, to which Seely said, “He’s all I need.” The two immediately realized there was something in that line.

7. It’s Only Love

Seely sings about the giddy, euphoric excitement you feel when falling in love in “It’s Only Love,” which reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

8. What in the World Has Gone Wrong

The song was recorded by Jack Greene and Seely and turned out to be a success on the country charts, peaking at No. 19.

9. I’ll Love You More (Than You’ll Need)

Seely’s profound delivery of this love ballad gained her the title “Miss Country Soul.” It ranked No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, making it her second top ten hit on the said chart. 

10. Pride

When your significant other’s quirks and habits become red flags, you may start having a few second thoughts if this person is really the right one for you. And no one knows that feeling better than Seely, who recorded “Pride” a decade after Ray Price originally released it.

11. Dance Tonight

Originally recorded by Paul McCartney, Seely released her version of the song as a duet with Ray Stevens for her latest album.

12. If You Could Call It That

A part of this song was actually written by Dottie West, and its lyrics remained in her notebook until her death in 1991. Bobby Tomberlin and Steve Wariner, who used to tour with Dottie, finished the tune and asked Seely to record it.

13. Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)

Seely wrote the song while still working as a secretary at Liberty Records, which she said originated from a magazine’s pantyhose ad. It was renowned in recent years, with Irma Thomas’ version occasionally appearing in the anthology TV series Black Mirror.

14. Making Believe

Written by Jimmy Work, “Making Believe” has been covered by scores of artists over the past sixty years. This includes Seely, who released her version as a duet with Terri Williams.

15. Much Oblige

Here’s another collaboration of Jack Greene and Seely, which peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in early 1972. 

Some More Jeannie Seely Songs You Should Add To Your Playlist

Indeed, not everyone had the kind of career Jeannie Seely had and still has. Check out some more of her songs below.

So, listen to these Jeannie Seely songs right now – we’re pretty sure her husky voice will capture your heart.