My Boomer Buddies Podcast: Remembering The Classic, 'Harper Valley PTA'! Artwork

My Boomer Buddies Podcast Telling It Like It Was And Is!

I visit weekly with my boomer buddy friends and we cover nostalgic and current topics from our boomer perspectives. We tell it like it was and is!

We recall and discuss popular culture through topics, such as music, television, movies, lifestyles and much more - all through a nostalgic lense. There will also be spotlights on My Boomer Buddies. Each of us will share what it was like growing up as Boomers and how we became who they are now. We all turned out OK ... even though we drank from garden hoses, rode our bikes without helmets, and didn't sit in kiddie car seats. We also talk about the world we live in now. We may sound a bit curmudgeonly, but hey, we have earned that right! After all, we have gone through a lot and, with all that experience, we can now "see around corners"! Come and listen in to us old-timers. You may learn something... At the least, you'll get in some laughs and make some new - old friends!

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My Boomer Buddies Podcast Telling It Like It Was And Is!

My Boomer Buddies Podcast: Remembering The Classic, 'Harper Valley PTA'!

January 23, 2025 • Rick Reed/Tere Walsh • Season 2 • Episode 13

Harper Valley PTA

Summary

In this episode of My Boomer Buddies, hosts Rick Reed and Tere Walsh delve into the iconic song 'Harper Valley PTA,' recorded by Jeannie C. Riley and written by Tom T. Hall. They explore the song's historical context, its impact on country and pop music, and the cultural significance it held during the late 1960s. The conversation also touches on the music video, the story behind the song, and its adaptations into a movie and TV show. The hosts reflect on the legacies of both Riley and Hall, discussing their contributions to music and the challenges they faced throughout their careers.

Takeaways

Harper Valley PTA was a groundbreaking song for women in music.
Jeannie C. Riley's performance style was revolutionary for her time.
The song's lyrics addressed social issues and hypocrisy.
The dobro is a unique instrument that adds depth to country music.
The song's success led to a movie and a TV adaptation.
Tom T. Hall's songwriting was inspired by real-life events.
Jeannie C. Riley faced personal challenges but continued her career.
The legacy of 'Harper Valley PTA' endures in popular culture.
Ben Colder's parody added a humorous twist to the original song.
The conversation highlights the nostalgia of the 1960s music scene.

Titles

The Story Behind Harper Valley PTA
Jeannie C. Riley: A Trailblazer in Country Music

Sound Bites

"Harper Valley PTA was recorded in 1968."
"The dobro is played on a lap with a bar."
"Harper Valley PTA got a lot of play."

Chapters