Don't Touch Me

Last updated
"Don't Touch Me"
Jeannie Seely--Don't Touch Me 1966.jpg
Single by Jeannie Seely
from the album The Seely Style
B-side "You Tied Tin Cans to My Heart"
ReleasedMarch 14, 1966 (1966-03-14)
RecordedFebruary 12, 1966
Studio Fred Foster Sound Studio, Nashville, Tennessee
Genre Country
Length2:59
Label Monument
Songwriter(s) Hank Cochran
Producer(s) Fred Foster
Jeannie Seely singles chronology
"Today Is Not the Day"
(1965 [1] )
"Don't Touch Me"
(1966)
"It's Only Love"
(1966)

"Don't Touch Me" is a song written by Hank Cochran. It was originally written for and recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. The song was released as a single on Monument Records in March 1966 and became a major Billboard country hit. "Don't Touch Me" became Seely's signature song and her biggest hit as a solo artist. It would later appear on her debut studio album and be re-recorded by Seely in later years.

Contents

"Don't Touch Me" has been covered by various artists, including country artist Wilma Burgess. Burgess's version was released shortly after Seely's recording. The song became a major hit for Burgess as well, but reached a lower position on the Billboard country chart than Seely's. Burgess's cover of "Don't Touch" appeared on her studio album of the same name. It was also recorded by American R&B artist Bettye Swann whose version charted on the Billboard pop and R&B singles charts. "Don't Touch Me" has since been recorded in different musical genres by other musical artists.

Background and recording

"Don't Touch Me" was originally written by songwriter Hank Cochran. Country artist Buck Owens had first wanted to record the track for himself. However, Cochran was not set on having Owens record it. [2] At the same time, Jeannie Seely had just moved from California to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a music career. Cochran had promised Seely the opportunity to collaborate musically. When she asked Cochran if the offer still stood, Cochran replied, "Yes, if you're going to let me make the decisions and do what I know is best for you." Seely agreed and in response, Cochran gave her the composition to record. [3] Seely then signed with Monument Records in Nashville and recorded "Don't Touch Me" in her first session with producer Fred Foster. The session took place at the Fred Foster Sound Studio in February 1966. An additional track was cut during Seely's first recording appointment called "You Tied Tin Cans to My Heart". [4]

Release and chart performance

"Don't Touch Me" was released as a single in March 1966 on Monument Records. It was issued as a 7" single with "You Tied Tins to My Heart" on the release's B-side. [5] By June, the single had reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. [6] It was also her first and only track to reach the Billboard Hot 100, climbing to number 85. [7] It would also be her only single to reach the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at number 29. [8] The song was later released on her debut studio album, The Seely Style , which was also issued in 1966. [4] "Don't Touch Me" was Seely's biggest hit as a recording artist and has since been considered her signature song. [3] In 1967, Seely's original version of "Don't Touch Me" won the Best Female Country Vocal Performance accolade at the Grammy Awards. [9] The song's success also led to an invitation for Seely to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry. She joined the cast soon after and has been an active member since. [3]

"Don't Touch Me" helped jump-start Seely's recording career as a country artist. She found success with songs that evoked a similar musical style to "Don't Touch Me". [3] These further country hits were popular for Seely in the 1960s and 70s. [2] Examples of this were "It's Only Love" (1966), "I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)" (1968) and "Lucky Ladies" (1974). [10]

Legacy

Since its release, Seely's version of "Don't Touch Me" has been praised and mentioned by various music journalists and writers. Publications have considered it both a "standard" and a "classic" in country music. [2] [10] Robert Christgau commented on its legacy in an article from the 1970s. "In 1966, Seely's 'Don't Touch Me' took country women's sexuality from the honky-tonk into the bedroom even though it didn't end up there, and the on-again-off-again ache in her voice retained its savor afterwards," he wrote. [11]

In 2003, Mary Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann called Seely's version "a throbbing song of unfulfilled passions". They also praised Seely's vocals on the track, describing her voice as having "aching conviction". [3] In 2005, the Seely's version was featured in David Cantwell and Bill Friskics-Warren's book, Heartaches By the Number: Country Music's 500 Greatest Singles. [12] In 2019, Ken Burns discussed her version in the PBS documentary Country Music . Burns described it as "a song of unfulfilled passion." [9] In 2019, The Boot ranked it among their "Top 5 Jeannie Seely Songs" for it being able to prove that "women can sing about sex too." [10]

Track listings

1966 7" vinyl single (Monument Records) [5]
1981 7" vinyl single (Gusto Records) [13]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1966)Peak
position
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) [14] 29
US Hot Country Songs ( Billboard ) [15] 2
US Billboard Hot 100 [16] 85

Cover versions

Since its original recording, "Don't Touch Me" has been notably covered by several music artists in different genres. Among its first covers was by Tammy Wynette in 1967, whose version appeared on her debut studio album Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad . [17] Ella Fitzgerald covered the tune in 1968 on her studio album entitled Misty Blue . [18] In 1969, American R&B artist Bettye Swann released a version of the song as a single on Capitol Records. [19] Swann's version became a top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 14 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. [20] In 1994, country artist Lorrie Morgan recorded a version of the song for her studio album War Paint . [21] In 1997, Etta James recorded "Don't Touch Me" for her studio album Love's Been Rough on Me . [22]

Wilma Burgess version

"Don't Touch Me"
Single by Wilma Burgess
from the album Don't Touch Me
B-side "Turn Around Teardrops"
ReleasedApril 1966 (1966-04)
RecordedMarch 24, 1966
Studio Columbia Recording Studio
Genre Country
Length2:59
Label Decca
Songwriter(s) Hank Cochran
Producer(s) Owen Bradley
Wilma Burgess singles chronology
"Baby"
(1965)
"Don't Touch Me"
(1966)
"Misty Blue"
(1966)

Among the notable covers of "Don't Touch Me" was a 1966 version recorded by American country artist Wilma Burgess. Burgess's version was recorded and released within a month of Seely's original. The song was recorded on March 24, 1966, at the Columbia Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. The session was produced by Owen Bradley of Decca Records. In the same session, Burgess cut two other tracks including "Misty Blue", another major hit for Burgess in 1966. [23] Her version of "Don't Touch Me" was released in April 1966, a month following the original version's release. The song also became a major hit, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. [24]

Burgess's version of "Don't Touch Me" was released on her 1966 studio album of the same name. [23] Her vocal delivery of the song was given positive reviews following its release. In 2003, Mary Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann described her voice on the track (along with several other hits of this time period) as having "a warmth of tone" and a "yearning soprano". [25] In 1966, Billboard Magazine reviewed the track alongside her album of the same name. "Wilma Burgess has two very important factors working in her favor on this LP -- 'Don't Touch Me' and 'Baby'," writers commented. [26]

Track listings: 7" vinyl single

[27]

  • "Don't Touch Me" – 2:59
  • "Turn Around Teardrops" – 2:20

Weekly charts

Chart (1966)Peak
position
US Hot Country Songs ( Billboard ) [28] 12

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeannie Seely</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1940)

Marilyn Jeanne Seely is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress and author. Primarily identified with country music, Seely found success with the Grammy Award-winning song "Don't Touch Me" (1966). Her soul-inspired vocal delivery gave her the nickname of "Miss Country Soul". Seely has been a member of and performer on the Grand Ole Opry, having appeared more times on the program than any other performer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Only Love (Jeannie Seely song)</span> 1966 single by Jeannie Seely

"It's Only Love" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released by Monument Records as a single in September 1966, rising to the US country songs top 20. It was given positive reviews from music publications following its release and was included on her debut studio album The Seely Style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Wanderin' Man</span> 1966 single by Jeannie Seely

"A Wanderin' Man" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single by Monument Records, it reached the top 20 of the US country songs chart in 1967. It was Seely's third top 20 single in her career and was given positive reviews from music magazines following its release. It appeared on her second studio album called Thanks, Hank!.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'll Love You More (Than You Need)</span> 1967 single by Jeannie Seely

"I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country singer Jeannie Seely. Released in 1968 as a single by Monument Records, it became her third top ten single on the US country chart songs chart. The song also served as the title track to Seely's 1968 studio album I'll Love You More and received a positive response from critics following its release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can I Sleep in Your Arms</span> 1973 single by Jeannie Seely

"Can I Sleep in Your Arms" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single in 1973, it placed in the top ten of the US and Canadian country song charts. It also served as the title track to her 1973 studio album. The song became Seely's first top ten country single in several years and her final top ten release as well. The song was adapted from a hobo tune and a folk standard. It received reviews from several publications following its release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucky Ladies (song)</span> 1973 single by Jeannie Seely

"Lucky Ladies" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single by MCA Records, it placed in the top 20 on both the US and Canadian country charts in 1974. The song was adapted from the song "Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies" and received reviews from music magazines following its release. It was the second single spawned from Seely's studio album Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies.

The discography of American country artist Wilma Burgess consists of seven studio albums, one compilation album, twenty eight singles, and one other charted song. Graduating college in 1960, Burgess moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a singing career. She cut her first single with United Artists Records in 1962 which had little success. Producer Owen Bradley was impressed by Burgess's vocals, signing her to a recording contract with Decca Records. In 1965, the Ray Griff-penned composition "Baby" became Burgess's breakthrough single, reaching the top ten on the Hot Country Singles chart. It was followed by a cover of Jeannie Seely's "Don't Touch Me", which reached the top twenty of the country chart. Her debut album which was also entitled Don't Touch Me (1965) and reached number three on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

"Baby" is a song written by Ray Griff and recorded by American country artist Wilma Burgess. It was released as a single in November 1965 via Decca Records.

<i>The Seely Style</i> 1966 studio album by Jeannie Seely

The Seely Style is the debut studio album of American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released in September 1966 by Monument Records and was produced by Fred Foster. The album consisted of 12 songs, many of which were covers of songs from the era including some written by Hank Cochran. The lead single, "Don't Touch Me" was also penned by Cochran and became Seely's first commercial success as a recording artist. The album itself reached the top ten on the US country chart. Both Billboard and Cash Box reviewed the album following its original release.

<i>Thanks, Hank!</i> 1967 studio album by Jeannie Seely

Thanks, Hank! is a studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released in May 1967, by Monument Records and was produced by Fred Foster. The album contained songs written entirely by songwriter Hank Cochran, some of which were cover tunes while others were new tracks. Among the new tracks were two singles: the top 20 country song "A Wanderin' Man" and the charting song "These Memories". The LP also made the top 20 of the US country chart. The album received reviews from AllMusic, Cash Box and Record World following its release.

<i>Ill Love You More</i> 1968 studio album by Jeannie Seely

I'll Love You More is a studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released by Monument Records in February 1968 and was the third studio album of her career. The project consisted of 11 tracks whose themes centered on heartbreak. Six of the songs were written by Hank Cochran, who helped launch Seely's recording career. Two of the songs were originally singles: "When It's Over" and the title track. The latter single reached the top ten on the US country songs chart in 1968. The album itself reached the top 40 of the US country albums chart following its release. It received reviews and ratings from Billboard, Cash Box and AllMusic.

<i>Little Things</i> (Jeannie Seely album) 1968 studio album by Jeannie Seely

Little Things is a studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released in December 1968, by Monument Records and was co-produced by Fred Foster and Jim Malloy. The record was Seely's fourth studio album released in her career and included three singles issued prior to the LP: "Welcome Home to Nothing", "How Is He?" and the title track. Little Things placed inside the top 40 on the US country albums chart and received reviews from both Billboard and Cash Box magazines.

<i>Jeannie Seely</i> (1969 album) 1969 studio album by Jeannie Seely

Jeannie Seely is an eponymous studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released by Decca Records in April 1969 and was her fifth studio album. The 11-track collection featured songs written by Hank Cochran and others. Many of the songs were cover tunes, with some exceptions such as "Just Enough to Start Me Dreamin'". The latter was the album's only single and made an appearance on the US country chart in 1969. The eponymous release was Seely's first for the Decca label and received reviews from Billboard, Cash Box and Record World magazines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You</span> 1969 single by Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely

"Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Dave Kirby. It was originally and released as a duet by American country music artists Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely. Released as a single in October 1969, the song became a number two song on the US country chart in early 1970. The song was given positive reviews from Billboard and Cash Box magazines and would influence the making of their debut studio album in 1970.

<i>Two for the Show</i> (Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely album) 1973 studio album by Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely

Two for the Show is a studio album by American country music artists Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely. It was released in January 1973, by Decca Records. It was pair's second studio album as a duet team. The album included two singles that reached the US and Canadian country songs top 20 between 1971 and 1973: "Much Oblige" and "What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love". The latter was co-written by Hank Cochran, who contributed to four additional tracks on the album. Two for the Show also made the US country albums top 40.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love</span> 1972 single by Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely

"What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Johnny Slate. It was recorded as a duet by American country music artists Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely. It was released as a single by Decca Records in 1972, rising into the top 20 on both the US and Canadian country songs charts. It was the third and final single to make a chart appearance by the duo.

<i>Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies</i> 1973 studio album by Jeannie Seely

Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies is a studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released by MCA Records in November 1973 and was her ninth studio project. It consisted of 11 tracks, four of which were written by songwriter Hank Cochran. Among the tracks were six songs originally released as singles: "Tell Me Again", "Alright I'll Sign the Papers", "Pride", "Farm in Pennsyltucky", "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" and "Lucky Ladies". Its highest-charting singles were the latter two releases, reaching the US country top ten and top 20 respectively. The album itself made the top 20 of the US country chart during the same period. The project received reviews from music publications following its original release.

<i>Greatest Hits on Monument</i> (Jeannie Seely album) 1993 compilation album by Jeannie Seely

Greatest Hits on Monument is a compilation album by American country music artist Jeannie Seely. It was released on March 9, 1993, via Sony Music Entertainment. The album was comprised on Seely's original recordings for the Monument label during the 1960s. It included some of her biggest hit singles during her career. It also featured songs written Seely herself as well as other writers, predominantly the material of Hank Cochran.

"When It's Over" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single by Monument Records, it reached the top 40 of the US country songs chart in 1967. It was given a positive review from Cash Box magazine following its release and was included on her studio album I'll Love You More.

"Welcome Home to Nothing" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single by Monument Records, it reached the top 40 of the US country songs chart in 1968. It was given a positive review from Cash Box magazine following its release and was included on her studio album Little Things.

References

Footnotes

  1. Seely, Jeannie (August 1965). ""Today Is Not the Day"/"What Am I Doing in Your World" (7" vinyl single)". Challenge Records . 59274.
  2. 1 2 3 Lambert, Arden (15 February 2018). "A Rather 'Risky' Song, "Don't Touch Me" Became A Hit". Country Thang Daily. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Oermann, Robert K. & Bufwack, Mary A. 2003, p. 301.
  4. 1 2 Seely, Jeannie (September 19, 1966). "The Seely Style (Liner Notes)". Monument Records .
  5. 1 2 "Jeannie Seely - "Don't Touch Me" (1966, Vinyl)". Discogs . 1966. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  6. ""Don't Touch Me" chart history: Country Songs". Billboard . Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  7. ""Don't Touch Me" chart history: Hot 100". Billboard . Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  8. ""Don't Touch Me" chart history: Adult contemporary". Billboard . Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  9. 1 2 Burns, Ken. "Country Music: Jeannie Seely Biography". PBS . Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  10. 1 2 3 Horton, Carrie. "Top 5 Jeannie Seely Songs". The Boot. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  11. Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: S". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies . Ticknor & Fields. ISBN   089919026X . Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  12. Cantwell & Friskics-Warren 2003, p. 53.
  13. "Jeannie Seely -- "Don't Touch Me" (1981, Vinyl)(Gusto Records)". Discogs . 1981. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  14. "Jeannie Seely Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved April 04, 2020.
  15. "Jeannie Seely Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 04, 2020.
  16. "Jeannie Seely Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 04, 2020.
  17. ""Don't Touch Me" -- Tammy Wynette". Allmusic . Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  18. ""Don't Touch Me" -- Ella Fitzgerald". Allmusic . Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  19. "Bettye Swann -- "Don't Touch Me" (1969, Vinyl)". Discogs . January 1969. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  20. Whitburn, Joel (1992). Billboard Book of USA Top 40 Hits (5th ed.). Enfield, Middlesex: Billboard Publications Inc. p. 449. ISBN   0-85112-528-X.
  21. "Lorrie Morgan -- "Don't Touch Me"". Allmusic . Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  22. ""Don't Touch Me" -- Etta James". Allmusic . Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  23. 1 2 Burgess, Wilma (1966). "Don't Touch Me (Liner Notes)". Decca Records .
  24. Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN   978-0-89820-177-2.
  25. Oermann, Robert K. & Bufwack, Mary A. 2003, p. 230.
  26. "Album Reviews: Country Spotlight". Billboard . Vol. 78, no. 26. June 25, 1966.
  27. "Wilma Burgess -- "Don't Touch Me" (1966, Vinyl)". Discogs . 1966. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  28. "Wilma Burgess Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 04, 2020.

Books