At 84, Jeannie Seely stands as the oldest active woman in country music, a milestone she describes as both astonishing and gratifying. Seely expressed her amazement at her continued presence in the industry, saying, “Can you believe what’s going on with me? It’s just phenomenal that I’m still able to be doing this.”
On July 19, Seely released her latest single, “Suffertime,” a track originally performed by the late Dottie West. This new version, recorded at Nashville’s iconic RCA Studio B, is accompanied by a 40-minute documentary and music video, reflecting her sentiment of “recreating history.” Seely, who first recorded at RCA Studio B in 1964, felt a nostalgic connection to the studio for this project.
The single, which Seely described as a fun venture, was inspired by her performance of the song during a 2023 Grand Ole Opry appearance. The audience’s enthusiastic response led her to re-record the song with a fresh bluesy twist. Seely’s creative director, Ron Harman, suggested the historic studio for the recording, adding to the project’s significance.
Additionally, Seely enlisted the help of fellow country music legends Steve Wariner and Charlie McCoy, both of whom had previously worked with West. Their participation adds a layer of depth and continuity to the project, celebrating the song’s legacy and Seely’s enduring influence in the genre.
As Seely continues to work on new music, she remains a vibrant force in country music, proving that passion and dedication defy age.
