Chad & Jeannie Seely Heat Up The Opry!

What can I say?  I love me some Jeannie Seely.  And Saturday night, at WBKR Night at the Opry, the fleeting love affair we began two years ago this month, was rekindled, briefly, in front of thousands.    Now, Jeannie.  Don't read this and deny our passion for one another.  We don't have to Romeo and Juliet this puppy.  We can own it.  I love you.  You love me.  And now we have about 35-hundred witnesses.  Roses are red, my love.  Violets are blue.  And I am writing this loving blog, especially for you.

Now, Jeannie is going to read this and be mortified!  LOL!  I am pretty convinced, after I basically ran across the stage of The Grand Ole Opry Saturday to give her a hug, that she already thinks I am a couple of cups shy of Stable Mable.  In actuality, Jeannie is a TOTAL blast and completely plays along with all of my mental illness.  It doesn't frighten her or warrant an E.P.O.  No!  She welcomes it.  Nestles it.  Cradles me like a kitten.

So, here's how this started.  A couple of years ago, I was guest announcing Jeannie's half-hour of the Opry and started flirting with her on stage.  Naturally, she flirted right back.  So, I was thrilled to see that Jaclyn and I would be announcing her segment of this show at THIS year's WBKR Night at the Opry as well.  And, Jeannie and I picked up right where we left off.  I knew, as soon as she started singing "Hey Good Looking" that she chose that song for me.  (Yes, I'm delusional.  Big whoop!  So is every single guest on Dr. Drew!) 

Isn't that photo hilarious?  That's Jeannie's husband, Gene Ward, behind us.  I warned him before the show that I was going to flirt shamelessly with his wife.  He just laughed and laughed and though it was a hoot.  Of course, I do want to point out . . . that while he may not have felt threatened by me . . . he didn't waste anytime in photo bombing the picture of his wife and yours truly!  Notice how he's staring at us . . . just waiting to wrench that crowbar between us.

And what about this photo??

That pic was snapped backstage by Jeannie's webmaster, Ron Harman.  He was obviously moved by our endless love and knew it had to be shared with Jeannie's Facebook community.  Now everyone knows how close Jaclyn and I are.  We're great friends and have been for years.  But, I do want to point out some nuances in the photo above.  Notice how I am leaning toward Jeannie . . . much like a blooming plant grows toward sunlight?   And notice how Jaclyn is ever so slightly keeping hold of my back and standing there with her hand on her hip in disgust?  Yes, she's smiling.  But, I can see her . . . grinding those pearly whites like a piranha.  I am pretty sure was murmuring "Don't you be messing with my Tad, Jeannie Seely" under her breath.  Look how threatened she seems.  Jaclyn, jealousy is not your color.

In all seriousness, Jeannie Seely is a great sport and great Opry legend.  In fact, she's been a member of the Opry since her induction in 1967.  That's the same year she won a Grammy award for Best Female Country Performance for her song, "Don't Touch Me."  (How ironic is that?  LOL!  I'm pretty certain that's what she wants to scream "Don't Touch Me" in my direction every time I reach for her.)  Take a look at this live performance I found on You Tube.  This is vintage Jeannie Seely!

"Don't Touch Me" was Jeannie's biggest solo hit.  It peaked at number two on the charts and helped her earn the title of "Miss Country Soul." 

But Jeannie had even more big time chart success with the help of her friend, Jack Greene!  They teamed up for another huge hit that peaked at #2.  It was 1969 that "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" flirted with the top of the charts.   Remember this?

Amazingly, Jeannie has been making music since 1966, when she released her debut album, The Seely Style.  As a matter of fact, she released another album just last year!   Take a look at her doing one of my favorite tracks from that disc  . . . "Ode to Bille Joe."

You'll find that song on Jeannie's CD Vintage Country:  Old But Treasured!  On that disc, Jeannie covers many classic, treasured, country hits.  Those hits include "Heaven's Just a Sin Away," "Funny How Time Slips Away," "Another Bridge to Burn," and more.

As a big fan, I can tell you Jeannie Seely is herself country, classic and treasured.  She's a consummate entertainer.  She lights up the stage with song, her personality and her smile.  I know I joke around a lot and act a fool when I am around her . . . but I really to adore Jeannie Seely.  To prove it, I did a toe-touch on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry after she took hold of my hand, winked at me and said, "I'll see you later."   I sure hope so!