John Berry | Hometown Country Music https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com For true country music fans! We invite you to visit and explore our robust website full of content and information! Sun, 07 Jun 2026 17:10:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/cropped-HCM-logo-32x32.jpg John Berry | Hometown Country Music https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com 32 32 This Date in Country Music History – June 7th https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/this-date-in-country-music-history-june-7th/ Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:15:36 +0000 https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/?p=6282 This date in country music history for June 7th.

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This Date in Country Music History

  • 2024 – Carly Pearce released her album Hummingbird
  • 2024 – Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph released their song “High Road”
  • 2019 – Luke Combs released his EP album The Prequel
  • 2019 – Morgan Wallen released his debut album If I Know Me
  • 2017 – Kelsea Ballerini released her single “Legends”
  • 2016 – RaeLynn signed a recording contract with Warner Brothers
  • 2014 – George Strait plays the final show of his “The Cowboy Rides Away” tour in Arlington, TX
  • 2013 – 2013 CMA Fest: Friday, June 7th
  • 2011 – Ronnie Dunn‘s first post-Brooks & Dunn album, titled Ronnie Dunn, is released
  • 2002 – Kenny Rogers made his Grand Ole Opry debut
  • 1997 – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill sit atop the charts for the first of 6 weeks with their duet “It’s Your Love”
  • 1993 – John Berry‘s self-titled debut album was released
  • 1991 – Alan Jackson joined the Grand Ole Opry

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The post This Date in Country Music History – May 21st first appeared on Hometown Country Music.]]> Remembering Jeannie Seely https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/remembering-jeannie-seely/ Sat, 02 Aug 2025 02:27:50 +0000 https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/?p=49128 Hometown Country Music was the first to break the sad news of Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely’s passing today on social media, and now we’ve got some reactions coming in from the country music world.  First, here is the press release from her publicist, then below will be quotes from some of her peers. [...]

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Jeannie Seely – Photo by Cyndi Hornsby

Hometown Country Music was the first to break the sad news of Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely’s passing today on social media, and now we’ve got some reactions coming in from the country music world.  First, here is the press release from her publicist, then below will be quotes from some of her peers.

Grand Ole Opry star and country music legend Jeannie Seely has passed at age 85. Seely died peacefully today at 5:00 p.m. CT at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, as a result of complications from an intestinal infection.

Seely had battled health issues since last fall, which escalated in December following the passing of her husband, Gene Ward. She’d undergone multiple back surgeries this spring for vertebrae repairs, as well as two emergency abdominal surgeries.

As of her last Grand Ole Opry show on February 22, Seely had made 5,397 Opry performances, more than any other artist in the Opry’s 100-year history. In 2018 Seely began hosting her own weekly “Sundays with Seely” show on the Willie’s Roadhouse on SiriusXM, and her most recent show aired this past Sunday, July 27. A trailblazer and an icon, Seely was considered to be the oldest actively working female entertainer in country music at the time of her death.

Music industry professionals early on praised Seely’s soul-inspired vocals which resulted in her being nicknamed “Miss Country Soul,” a title used throughout her career spanning seven decades. In 2019, Dr. Jeannie Seely was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts from Lincoln Memorial University for her many groundbreaking accomplishments in the music industry.

Born on July 6, 1940, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely was raised on a farm along a dirt road outside of nearby Townville. A year ago this week, Seely returned to her roots when new “Home of Jeannie Seely” signs were unveiled in Townville. The ceremony was held at the Townville Fire Station where decades earlier Seely had first performed in front of a live audience.

When she was barely tall enough to reach the dial on her family’s big Philco console radio, Seely was tuning in the Grand Ole Opry on radio station WSM 650. At age 11, she began singing for a Saturday morning radio show on Meadville station WMGW, and by age 16 she was performing on TV station WICU in Erie. At Hillbilly Park near Franklin, Pennsylvania, Seely had the opportunity to see and meet performers like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Jean Shepard, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, never imagining that one day she’d share the Grand Ole Opry stage with them.

Seely was a cheerleader, majorette, and honor student while attending Townville High School, and she sang at local amateur contests and began performing at weekend dances throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. Following high school graduation in 1958, Seely worked for three years at the Titusville Trust Company and continued her education by completing night classes that were conducted by the American Institute of Banking in Oil City, Pennsylvania.

At age 21, Seely packed everything she could into her car, shipped the rest to “General Delivery, Los Angeles” and headed west. She initially took a job at a Beverly Hills bank but left it after a year to take a secretarial position for half the money at Liberty and Imperial Records in Hollywood. With a foot in the door of the music business, she began writing songs for Four Star Music and became a regular act, along with an unknown Glen Campbell, on the Hollywood Jamboree television series. Her songwriting led to her own recording contract on Challenge Records, and a couple regional hits and a West Coast tour resulted.

Seely received the “Most Promising Female Artist” award in 1964 from the Country and Western Academy which later became the Academy of Country Music. A year later upon the encouragement of friend Dottie West who’d recorded one of her songs, Seely moved to Nashville where she signed with Monument Records. Her chart-topping hit “Don’t Touch Me” resulted in Seely becoming only the third female country artist to receive a Grammy Award. After receiving the “Most Promising New Artist” awards from Cashbox, Record World, and Billboard, Seely subsequently went on to appear on Billboard‘s country singles chart for 13 consecutive years.

On September 16, 1967, Seely was inducted as a member of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. She was the first Pennsylvania native to become an Opry member, and then later became the first female to regularly host Opry segments. Widely recognized for changing the image of female country performers, Seely became the first person to wear a mini-skirt on the Opry stage. With fellow Opry member Jack Greene, she formed one of the most successful duets and road shows in country music history. In 2022 the Grand Ole Opry honored Seely for her 5,000+ performances, a record which will likely remain intact forever.

A BMI-awarded songwriter, Seely’s songs were recorded by Country Music Hall of Fame members including Dottie West, Merle Haggard, Connie Smith, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Faron Young, Ernest Tubb, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Hank Williams Jr. – as well as by artists ranging from Irma Thomas (the “Soul Queen of New Orleans”) to Rhonda Vincent (the “Queen of Bluegrass”), from Chris LeDoux to Moe Bandy, and from Boys II Men to Seal. Seely’s composition “Yours” was named “Song of the Year” at the 2022 Arkansas Country Music Awards.

The star of major stage productions including Always, Patsy Cline, The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Could It Be Love, and several others, Seely served as a radio disc jockey on her own Armed Forces Network, traveled on military tours throughout Europe and Asia, and published her own book titled Pieces Of A Puzzled Mind. Recordings by Seely have spanned seven decades from her Top 10 Billboard album The Seely Style to her Curb Records album An American Classic which includes her third duet with friend Willie Nelson. Seely appeared in Nelson’s movie Honeysuckle Rose and sang on the platinum soundtrack album.

In 2018 Seely was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame which represents all genres of music. At the inaugural Influencing Women Awards Gala in 2019, the first “Standing Ovation Award” was presented to Seely – and then her name was added to the annual award. In 2022, Seely was the honored recipient of the Legacy Award at The Nashville Women in Film & Television WIFT ALICE Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner. In 2022 Seely was recognized on the nationally televised Country Music Association (CMA) Awards Show, in 2023 she received the CMA’s prestigious Joe Talbot Award, and in 2024 she was honored by SOURCE with the esteemed Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award.

With the release of her single “Suffertime” in 2024 accompanied by a music video and short documentary, Seely established a new record as the vocalist with the longest timespan (60 years) between recording sessions at historic RCA Studio B on Music Row. Following Seely’s 5,381st performance on the Grand Ole Opry in September 2024, the “Jeannie Seely Interchange” was dedicated at the Briley Parkway exit to the Grand Ole Opry House. In March of 2025, Sony Music Publishing Nashville celebrated Seely during Women’s History Month by releasing three reimagined versions of her songs as collaborations with rising female artists.

In late 2024, a display honoring Seely was added to the “Sing Me Back Home” permanent exhibit on the second floor of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and in November Seely visited her display in person. Seely’s Billboard Most Promising Female Vocalist Award trophy is also on display in a special exhibit located in the museum’s concourse to the Omni Hotel.

Seely’s last public appearance was on March 1, 2025, when she attended the rebranded opening of the Legends of Country Music Museum located in Nashville’s Music Valley area. Her image appears on the outside of the building, and she is honored inside with an updated exhibit. In April 2025, the Studio Space at the SAG-AFTRA office on Music Row was named in Seely’s honor and she was scheduled to attend the formal dedication. Until the time of her death, Seely proudly served as the producer for the bluegrass group Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass and she was planning to produce their next recording session.

Throughout her career, Seely spearheaded efforts to support and enhance artist, musician, and songwriter roles in the music industry, especially paving the way for females who followed. Instrumental in instilling an atmosphere of fellowship and camaraderie at the Grand Ole Opry – and in any music circle she entered – Seely connected with artists, musicians, songwriters, and industry personnel from all generations and backgrounds.

Seely is survived by numerous friends, family members and her special cat, Corrie. In addition to her husband Gene Ward and her parents Leo and Irene Seely, she was preceded in death by siblings Donald Seely, Bernard Seely, and Mary Lou Seely Lang.

A memorial service will be announced in the coming days. Tomorrow night’s Grand Ole Opry will be dedicated to Seely.

Here is what her peers are saying about her loss:
  • Bellamy Brothers – We’re heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend and Grand Ole Opry legend, Jeannie Seely. Jeannie brought so much light, laughter, and authenticity everywhere she went… especially when she joined us on Honky Tonk Ranch. Her friendship meant the world to us. The country music world lost a true original, and we’ll miss her deeply.
    Rest easy, Jeannie.
  • Bill Anderson – Jeannie Seely and I were friends for over sixty years, and between the two of us we performed over 10,000 times on the Grand Ole Opry. She was one of the most talented, kind, witty, generous, loving people I have ever known. The Opry and the world won’t be nearly as much fun without her in it. May she rest in peace.
  • Billy Ray Cyrus – Jeannie Seely had a way of making you feel seen, heard, and truly loved. Her heart was as big as her voice and both were pure gold. I’ll carry that moment, and her friendship, with me forever. Rest in peace, sweet Jeannie. The Opry stage and this world will never be the same.
  • Dallas Wayne – Jeannie’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and entertainer was undeniable. But one of the greatest things she left us with was her mentorship and belief in up-and-coming artists in this business. She was always there with encouragement and advice to those who were just starting out. You couldn’t find a better cheerleader. She was the consummate professional throughout her career. As a friend, she was a caring, solid rock that you could depend on. I will miss her terribly. As will all who knew and loved her. Seely, thank you for it all.
  • Duane Allen (Oak Ridge Boys) – I am praying for Jeannie Seely. I believe that she’s joined Jesus Christ, Gene Ward, Nora Lee Allen, Joe Bonsall, Rusty Golden, and all of our dear loved ones we’ve lost. She made a lasting impact on not only Nashville but the world. Her contribution to country music and the Grand Ole Opry will never be forgotten. Most don’t know, but the last date I had with my beautiful wife was a double date with Jeannie Seely and Gene Ward. My heart is breaking right now.
  • Gene Watson – So sorry to say that country music lost one of the greatest entertainers it ever had. A great singer, great comedian, beautiful lady, and really, really close friend of mine – Jeannie Seely. I don’t know how to say the words, but not only me, everybody backstage at the Opry misses her so much. Things are not the same, and I’d just like to pass condolences on. She will definitely be missed.
  • Janie Fricke – I enjoyed working many shows recently over the years with Jeannie, and have respected her strength, her talent and outlook on life, a special lady who will be missed.
  • John Berry – Jeannie Seely was a bright light in country music and certainly within the Grand Ole Opry. Always a kind word and a welcoming smile, I was fortunate to share the stage with her when she introduced me at the Opry. Her energy and passion for country music will be missed.
  • Johnny Lee – Jeannie Seely was one of the funniest ladies in our industry. She was quick-witted, fast on her feet, and never one to hold back, not to mention one of the best stylists to take the stage. Fly high, Seely. I love you!
  • Kelly Lang – I’m overwhelmed with the emotions I have about Jeannie’s fabulous life and her incredibly sad passing. She was so many things to me. A friend, a mother, a sister, an encourager, a helper in need and always good for a laugh. Not only was she one of the most poignant thinker/writers, she had one of the most compassionate hearts I’ve ever known. In my darkest hour going through breast cancer, over twenty years ago, she helped connect the dots to make sure my bills were covered through the Opry Trust Fund and MusiCares, so I could focus on just healing… and for that I will always be grateful. Jeannie has shattered so many glass ceilings for all of us women in country music but her passing has truly shattered our hearts. May you rest in our Father’s arms till we meet again sweet friend.
  • Lacy J. Dalton – It’s very hard to find the words. I loved Jeannie, she was always so authentically herself, unfailingly kind and funny as hell. We will all miss her. Leslie, my Mgr. says ‘this one hurts!!!
  • Lee Greenwood – So sad to hear of the passing of my friend Jeannie Seely. Jeannie was one of the greatest women of country music in an era when people began to discover that country was America’s music. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family.
  • Margie Singleton – Jeannie Seely was one of the few of us left from the golden years. She’s been a friend for a long time, and I cherish my time with her. Praying for her friends and fans around the world. She truly made her mark on our industry.
  • Michelle Wright – RIP sweet Jeannie Seely. The sweaters were provided by Jeannie when we wrote “Let’s Make Memories for Christmas” with Victoria Shaw for my “A Wright Christmas & More” album released last Christmas. Jeannie, I cherish the time we spent together. I can hear your laughter right now
  • Moe Bandy – Jeannie Seely has been a friend for as long as I can remember. We have done so many shows together that I have lost count. She was always one for a good story, a good joke, and an even better song. This is one that will be hard to get over, as there’s no getting over the loss of Jeannie Seely. Prayers for her family, friends, fans, and country music.
  • Nancy Jones – She was truly the sweetest and most precious friend I ever had. If ever I had a problem, all I had to do was call Jeannie, and she was there. When I released my book, she called me to do her radio show. She was like a sister and will definitely miss her. I love you, Jeannie!
  • Rhonda Vincent – Gonna miss you SOOO much, Jeannie Seely! You were one of a kind. You’re now safe in the arms of Jesus. I’ll see you up there!
  • T. Graham Brown – We just lost one of the greatest singer/songwriter/entertainers of her generation. My beloved big sister, Jeannie Seely, has crossed over the river Jordan to be with Jesus. She will be in pain no longer. She was one of Sheila and my best friends and you could never hope to meet a better human being. She held the record for the all-time number of Grand Ole Opry appearances. She was a friend to everyone and had a razor sharp wit. The Opry won’t be the same without her. I’ll miss her terribly. No one will ever fill her shoes. Heaven is a better place with her there. Rest in peace sweet angel.
  • TG Sheppard – To say I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Jeannie Seely is an understatement. The industry has not only lost one of its greatest entertainers and songwriters, but one of its funniest talents ever. The memories that we made through the years, whether it was on concert stages, cruise ships, award shows, or just visiting on the back porch of her home, will carry me through my life until we meet again. Go rest high on that mountain, sweet friend, for your work here is done.
  • Tim Atwood – My heart is broken. Broken! My friendship with Jeannie Seely started 49 years ago at the Opry, but more than a friend, Jeannie was my champion. When I left the Opry several years ago, we toured the country, where she made me her equal–trading stories and songs and entertaining the crowds together.  She was the best entertainer I’ve ever had the honor to know. It doesn’t seem possible to know a world without Seely in it…and as good as the Opry show is, the Opry spotlight will never shine as brightly, without Jeannie in the center circle. Jeannie Seely was an old friend, and like the song says, “You Can’t Make Old Friends”…you earn them. I love you, Jeannie. I always will. Thank you for believing in me…and teaching me how to believe in myself.
The post Remembering Jeannie Seely first appeared on Hometown Country Music.]]> Initial Lineup Announced for Sunday Mornin’ Country https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/initial-lineup-announced-for-sunday-mornin-country/ Fri, 28 Mar 2025 01:09:15 +0000 https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/?p=47939 Sunday Mornin’ Country returns this year with another full lineup of the best Country and Gospel artists, who will be singing songs of inspiration in a wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere. This year’s event will take place Sunday, June 8th, at 4:00 PM on the Grand Ole Opry House stage. Once again, the legendary Brenda Lee will [...]

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Sunday Mornin’ Country returns this year with another full lineup of the best Country and Gospel artists, who will be singing songs of inspiration in a wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere. This year’s event will take place Sunday, June 8th, at 4:00 PM on the Grand Ole Opry House stage. Once again, the legendary Brenda Lee will serve as host. Order tickets on www.opry.com or call 1-800-733-6779.

“Sunday Mornin’ Country is such an honor to be a part of! It’s a great day of fellowship between entertainers, and it means so much to us all! We love sharing God’s Word through song, and we are all so blessed to be able to share it through Sunday Mornin’ Country,” shared Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass.

“I have been playing the Sunday Morning Country show since the Hee Haw days when Joe Babcock recruited me. I must say that I love the show and look forward to it every year!” exclaimed Charlie McCoy

“Sunday Morning Country is a very special event. A chance to come together on the Opry stage and share songs and message of God’s Love.” Shared John Berry. “I am thrilled to be invited again to be a part of this special day!!

Artists and performances for this special celebration event include Brenda Lee, Charlie McCoy, Cowboy Joe & The Babcocks, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, Dianne Sherrill, Holly Watson, John Berry, John McCuen, Melanie Walker, Jonnie W., Mandy Barnett, Music City Quartet, Ray Stevens, Tennessee River Boys, The Kody Norris Show and The Fox Brothers with more names to be announced soon.

Past years’ performers have included the talents of Jeannie Seely, The Isaacs, William Lee Golden and The Goldens, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, John Berry, Skeeter Davis, Roy Acuff, Lynn Anderson, Jason Crabb, Chris Young, Jimmie Wayne, The Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Freddy Hart, Grandpa Jones, Charlie McCoy, Vestal Goodman, Paul Richey, Marty Raybon, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Rhonda Vincent, The Whites, Tammy Wynette, Brenda Lee, Linda Davis, Jean Shepard and many others.

Sponsored by the Nashville-based nonprofit Music City Christian Fellowship, the concert wraps up the week at the end of CMA Music Fest each year, leaving fans and guests with an uplifting memory of Nashville. Sunday Mornin’ Country is the longest-running Country/Gospel event during the music festival.

Stay current with Sunday Mornin’ Country on the Music City Christian Fellowship website and stay in touch on social media platform Facebook.

The post Initial Lineup Announced for Sunday Mornin’ Country first appeared on Hometown Country Music.]]> HCM Daily Country Music News – October 4th, 2024 https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/hcm-daily-country-music-news-october-4th-2024/ Sat, 05 Oct 2024 02:36:53 +0000 https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/?p=45877 Country Music News and Videos Morgan Wallen Offers Charity T-Shirt Video:  “All Come Together” by John Berry Music Video: “Never Seen” by Jon Stork Music Video:  “Buy the World a Round” by Aaron Watson Lyric Video:  “New Kind of Emotion” by Runaway June Music Video:  “Stick to Our Guns” by Craig Campbell Lyric Video:  “I [...]

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This Date in Country Music History

  • 2022 – Loretta Lynn passed away at her home in Hurricane Mills, TN
  • 2021 – Parmalee released their single “Take My Name”
  • 2021 – Morgan Wade released her single “Wilder Days”
  • 2019 – Brantley Gilbert released his album Fire & Brimstone
  • 2019 – The single “10,000 Hours” by Dan + Shay w/ Justin Bieber was released
  • 2019 – Blanco Brown’s single “The Git Up” was certified Platinum
  • 2012 – Michael Ray, under the guidance of John Rich, wins the CW show The Next
  • 2011 – Scotty McCreery released his debut album Clear as Day
  • 2011 – Rodney Atkins released his album Take a Back Road
  • 2005 – Sara Evans released her album Real Fine Place
  • 2000 – Charley Pride and Faron Young are inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
  • 1995 – Roger Miller was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
  • 1991 – Diamond Rio made their Grand Ole Opry debut
  • 1975 – Willie Nelson scored his first career #1 hit with “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”

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