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Bobbie Gentry's Ode to Billie Joe
Bobbie Gentry's Ode to Billie Joe | Tara Murtha
3 posts | 2 read | 1 to read
July, 1967: It seems the entire country stopped to listen to a husky voice steeped in the simmering secrets of the South tell a tragic tale of teenage suicide. So much for the Summer of Love. "Ode to Billie Joe?? knocked the Beatles' "All You Need is Love?? off the top of the charts, and Bobbie Gentry became an international star. Almost 50 years later, Gentry is as enigmatic and captivating as her signature song. Of course, fans still want to know why Billie Joe McAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge. They also wonder: Why did Bobbie Gentry, who has not performed or made a public appearance since the early 1980s, leave it all behind? Through extensive interviews and unprecedented access to career memorabilia, Murtha explores the real-life mysteries ensnarled within the much-disputed origin of Ode to Billie Joe. The result is an investigative pop history that reveals, for the first time, the full breadth of Bobbie Gentry's groundbreaking career-and just may help explain her long silence. Foreword by musician Jill Sobule.
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underground_bks
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Years ago, a couple friends rescued me from a party I was having a bad time at and whisked me off to a back porch where we spent the rest of the evening listening to this song on repeat. I live in Carroll County, Georgia, which is briefly mentioned in the song as well. It just captivated me and continues to. This 33 1/3 book is a fascinating look at the rise of the mysterious Bobbie Gentry, her disappearance from public, and her enduring legacy.

Readergrrl The song haunts me. I watched the movie late at night when I was probably too young (tween) and fell deeply in love!! To this day I will well up when I hear this song. 5y
underground_bks @Readergrrl There really is something so haunting about the song, not only the mysteries in it—why did Billie Joe kill himself, what did they throw off the bridge—but also just the polite disconnect between the family members. Enthralling! 5y
Leftcoastzen It is a haunting song , think it‘s the storytelling power that keeps the listener riveted. 5y
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underground_bks @Leftcoastzen Yes! This book kind of posits that Gentry was first and foremost a storyteller. I also love her song Fancy for the same reason, but Ode to Billie Joe is something else! 5y
Leftcoastzen Fancy is wonderful! 5y
underground_bks @Leftcoastzen 🎶Here‘s your one chance, Fancy, don‘t let me dooooowwwwwnn 🎶 5y
18 likes6 comments
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Susannah
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Thanks to the post from @Stephanie-Anne earlier today and the fact that I've just finished my most recent read, I get to start this one, appropriately, on the third of June. Here's to one of the most haunting songs ever. 🎶📚

EvieBee And the movie based on this song! So sad. 7y
Stephanie-Anne I need to find me a copy of that book! 😻 7y
Susannah @EvieBee I think I saw it once really late at night when I was a teenager. I wish I remembered it better--or that it would show up somewhere on TV. Seems like perfect TCM Underground material for Turner Classic Movies! (edited) 7y
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Stephanie-Anne
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I love song lyrics that tell a story, and I can't think of a better one than this -- just WOW. This was a recent record store find -- $1! And today, June 3rd, was the day Billie Joe McAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge. But what are some other songs that tell powerful stories???

Dragon The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot is a favourite. 7y
JanuarieTimewalker13 @Dragon you beat me to it! Lol 7y
Dragon Thanks @JanuarieTimewalker13 it's my mad typing skills 😂 7y
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Soubhiville @Dragon that's such a great song! 7y
JanuarieTimewalker13 @Dragon yes! lol I'm super slow! 7y
JanuarieTimewalker13 How about Harper Valley PTA? 7y
Cinfhen Most songs by Bruce Springsteen 7y
Susannah Ooh, I love this song! Thank you for the reminder. 7y
Haweller Holy Cow! Memories! Still know every word. 7y
Stephanie-Anne @Dragon @JanuarieTimewalker13 yes! Good ones! Maybe it's the folk music influence of the 60s/70s, but I started thinking of other examples, all from that time frame, like Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town, Same Old Lang Syne ... 7y
Stephanie-Anne @Cinfhen you're right! I hadn't thought of The Boss -- but storytelling makes sense from the singer/songwriter... 7y
JanuarieTimewalker13 Oh, wow! Great songs! I loved RDTYLTT!! 7y
51 likes12 comments