Country music star Bobbie Gentry was the Taylor Swift of her day. In the 60's and early 70's she was the biggest thing on the planet, writing two of the most popular songs in country music history. 'Fancy', which was later remade by Reba McEntire, and 'Ode to Billie Joe', which was so famous that it was made into a 1976 movie.

We haven't seen much of Bobbie Gentry these days, which is a shame. As a matter of fact, she has completely fallen off the radar. She married fellow country artist Jim Stafford, and hasn't given a significant interview or performed in public in over 30 years. I would so love to see her honored at the ACM or CMA Awards, and I know I'm not alone.

I found a couple of vintage articles about Bobbie Gentry, and I wanted to share. One in Rebeat, and one in Rolling Stone, and they were truly fascinating. I can't believe that Bobbi is 77 years old now, celebrating her birthday over the weekend on July 27th. And she is so much more than 'Ode to Billie Joe'. Her first album in 1967 is a masterpiece of Mississippi delta swamp sound, and you might have forgotten that she managed to knock the Beatles off the top of the Billboard chart with that very same debut song. Wow. No, really. Wow.

Check out the two versions of 'Fancy' below, and also, just because I love it, a live version of 'Ode to Billy Joe' Just enjoy two ladies who's influence still resonates in country music today. They are both amazing!!

 

 

 

 

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