Bobby Gentry - Ode to Billie Joe

[@mike-rayner-videos]

high class classic country at its finest 💖 🎶

[@rubyrodgers9477]

Thanks for the music of the day's gone by of good music

[@willemp6432]

Now that is beautiful. Finish...

[@nolladugasse7779]

Jeorge jone

[@pattynaugle5938]

Hqhsh

[@ColleenMcDowell]

​@@pattynaugle5938❤

[@Bass.Player]

In 2024 she is now 81 years old, I'm glad she is still here...

[@starlover1413]

Bless her 🥰

[@blmarti]

God bless

[@ryansmith4494]

Why though? I don’t want her dead or anything, but unless something changed she retired.

[@Bass.Player]

@@ryansmith4494 Hum, strange response! For the same reason I'm glad the likes of James Earl Jones are still alive...

[@aileenzavales2926]

@@ryansmith4494she’s mysterious and just vanished from the music scene. With all her talent and beauty - just as haunting as her music.

[@thomashogan4908]

The conversation that the violins have with her voice is priceless. What a masterpiece.

[@kellercon2002]

If you appreciate that, check out Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole sometime. The violin tries to escape the theme, but is always drawn back

[@kcbh24]

"Conversation". I like that.

[@lolapalacios1654]

Wow, i agree ! She earned her Masters. This song has an eerie, haunting feel. I can recollect my childhood as soon as I hear this amazing song.

[@MooPotPie]

@@lolapalacios1654 Arranger Jimmie Haskell penned the string arrangement. It's scored for four violins & two 'cellos.

[@josvandencamp8441]

What a story to tell. At age 70 I still love it.

[@SandraCampbell-g5i]

83 and me to too.

[@petercosgrove3924]

Best song about conversation at a kitchen table ever written.

[@Louis-e6q]

Dang right 😮

[@Luvsthelilthingsnlife]

Every Saturday in the 1970’s growing up my Mama had my sister and I clean the house,and she would put on the 45’s --Harper Valley PTA ,Rose Garden, & Honey by Bobby Goldsboro . I still have those 45’s and they mean the world to me. ❤️

[@michaelgeorge5153]

Boy are you bringing back many moons. I still remember all of them I'm just glad I'm still here

[@AvaJames111]

I'm glad you still have the 45 keep them and make sure they stay in the family❤

[@rooky55]

I still have all the old 8 track tapes and the 71 Chevy truck that we cruised in and enjoyed all the old great music and we still grab some beers and have another great cruise.

[@donaldleroy6502]

Back in those days my elementary school teacher would let us bring our records on Friday, Harper valley PTA and Rose garden 😊

[@valleygirl5832]

Ah..Love the same songs as my Mum..What an Era!

[@PaulDavis-jb1bx]

You don't sing along to this, you just listen, pure quality, brilliant

[@user-xy3et9gr4p]

so true

[@antoniocobb9648]

Or you read comments and reply while listening.

[@marymorris7471]

I do both. Listen and sing ❤

[@ghostwritter1075]

I beg to differ if you don't mind. Sometimes there's that one moment at the bridge (climax) of the song, you just CANT help but to sing. Actually when ever I watch this movie and this song starts.... I cant help but to sing along. Sometimes you can sit there with your eyes closed and just listen.... Then there are others when the melody hits you so hard and the words start that you have to sing along. I hope we can AGREE and also DISAGREE on this point.

[@kcbh24]

​@@ghostwritter1075*differ Defer means you bow to someone else's expertise.

[@simonf8902]

The best. The most emotional. The most mysterious song. Ever. ❤

[@DreamingDarlin]

Sooooo mysterious! Ignoring the movie.

[@barbarabrantley4779]

BJ jumped because he was ashamed of being molested by the sheriff.

[@stephentaylor7210]

Yes, seems like she's really feelin this song...

[@horsegonewild]

Such a beautiful ballad. Where did this type of talent go? This world might be better if there was music such as this being written today

[@elektrovert]

There is loads of excellent music written today, you just have to put the work in to find it.

[@garyjackson5518]

Thanks for the way you just put that truth 🙌 🙏 💯

[@garyjackson5518]

Your WELCOME 🙏

[@daveshriner8103]

I think it takes a hell of a lot more than good music to straighten out out country's shit.

[@arrowjsmith153]

Songs of the real talented back in the day. Where on God's green earth has the talent gone.

[@julietspoto9652]

It seems as though we're seeing "the music die" Did you see Biden give the South Korean president Don McCleans guitar and he strummed a bit and sang "bye bye miss American pie? It was a few days ago.

[@rebeccalavoy6655]

​@@julietspoto9652 ...What a disgrace for a President!

[@rebeccalavoy6655]

We had more talent, because the majority actually cared more back then. Now, they pump out so called talent, in the name of superficial popularity.

[@bryanbouzigard7019]

@@rebeccalavoy6655 nigga rapp

[@seymourskinner2533]

Just enjoy it and stop whinging. Plenty of talent around still. They just aren’t aiming at cranks shouting at clouds.

[@stray8535]

That's not just a country song that's a country blues song:) Bobby Gentry whew...

[@brentburns3501]

Some vocals are forever burned into you and no other version can replace it. This one is in me.

[@maryroberts9233]

Ballads don't get any better than this. Bobbie Gentry is a phenomenal singer, songwriter. She simply brings music to life. You feel it down in your soul.

[@CraftAero]

The song was great, the movie made it even better. Made me cry when I was 12, hard not to now.

[@guarddog318]

I wouldn't want to imply something that simply isn't true here, but I'd not be willing to wadger that Bobbie Gentry wasn't singing about something she has first-hand knowledge/experience with. After all, the more things change, the more they stay the same. P.S. A virus? Really? all the way back in the 1960s? Imagine that. Pay attention, folks. because in all likelihood, what has been will be again. It sucks, but it is what it is.

[@dudekfox7685]

@@guarddog318 : Why don't you get your little teddy bear and go to sleep. Your mind is working overtime.

[@guarddog318]

@@dudekfox7685 - Unlike yours, which apparently fails to work at all? Seriously, try thinking every once in a while, rather than simply sitting there and hammering inanely away at the keyboard, as if you actually know anything worth passing along.

[@hmackie6823]

simplicity

[@leeh6317]

Incredible song…and Bobby was SMOKING HOT

[@alexguerra1527]

What do you mean was hot . She's still hot 👍💙👍. And that's a guarantee fact 👍♥️👍

[@Sam-zo6pi]

100 percent pure....none finer....where did she go ? Almost like she was a dream . We woke up and she was gone.

[@mickjagger8439]

She jumped off the Tallahatchie bridge 😲

[@DreamingDarlin]

See Wiki.

[@MarkMccullough-pz8gf]

I’m 55 and heard this for the 1th time when I was 9 years old and was amazed how I just sat and listened to every word , lsiteneing today 46 years later I still can’t stop listening to every word. I just believe I was there on that bridge every time I hear this being sung. That’s the power she has in her voice and how she tells this story. Love it to bits

[@rebeccalavoy6655]

Hi Mark, same age here. Aren't we fortunate to have experienced better times. What I mean by that, is not easier times, but more meaningful times. With at least, an illusion of innocence 😊

[@MarkMccullough-pz8gf]

Hi Rebecca , yes todays world has so much in it , good and bad but when we were growing up everything seemed so much easier to me . I mean I grew up in Belfast Northern Ireland during the troubles here but still life was easier lol .

[@rebeccalavoy6655]

@@MarkMccullough-pz8gf...Mark, I am just seeing your reply now. Greetings, from America. Ireland is such a beautiful Country!! I wish you the best, navigating this new world order.

[@AvaJames111]

Hello Mark same age here and yes times are easier it seemed like back then and the beautiful music that was put out was wonderful it helped me through a lot of difficult times I do believe. I don't know if you have heard the story about the song but if you haven't you might go back and find it's out there on KZbin but the song says it all really except a few things that was left out so enjoy digging deeper into the song God bless have a wonderful day.

[@AvaJames111]

​@@MarkMccullough-pz8gfoh and wanted to say greetings from America I've always heard of Ireland and my family history is from Ireland hence the red hair so yeah greetings my friend greetings❤

[@angelo8424]

One of the best, and most haunting, songs ever- Love it!

[@michaelmchale9308]

Choctaw ridge is random, but always horsts

[@MichaelKuzma-q1q]

Beautiful lady with great singing talent.

[@BigAl53750]

I love the way she plays that guitar and then delivers the vocals with hsitations in exactly the right places, with the beat of guitar and her phrasing not quite matching, but also not clashing either. Very sophisticated performance and she makes it look SO easy.

[@jeffbrewer6365]

You cannot duplicate this. THIS is country music, mixed with soul and blues. If a person ever does this song better, it's her in a new life form.

[@timmygressler7468]

This is the type of song that should never ever be covered

[@ralphaelalfaro6023]

I agree.

[@MaxWaldron]

Many classify this as a 'Southern Gothic Masterpieces'. It's hard not to agree.

[@aarondigby5054]

Southern Gothic Folk Rock.

[@honeyfitz3791]

When I was a kid I heard this song on the radio for the first time and I was totally captivated. I had never heard anything like it.

[@rooky55]

When I was a 15 year old gas pump jockey, this song played on the radio all that summer at the gas station when it came out and it puts me back in that special early time of my life. Such a fond memory. Wish I could go back.

[@RobPrince-e9l]

I'm 71 and I remember when this beautiful song came out, but I still love it just as much today.

[@monicacall7532]

I was mesmerized when this song first played on the radio. My friends in grade school and I would endlessly try to come up with answers about what happened to make Billy Joe MacAllister jump off of Talahatchee Bridge. This song is pure Southern Gothic wrapped up in a ballad.

[@janeleekeller]

Released in July, 1967

[@kellygleason1851]

a song.. a story...a legend...such a classic cause she POURED her heart into it. the pinnacle of performance

[@mr.mikeyg.5282]

A true timeless classic. Sure takes me back to my childhood.

[@simonf8902]

Nothing like this today. And a beautiful woman.

[@quirtdrozario856]

This is a song that is a milestone in folk music. I just love it.

[@rebeccalavoy6655]

Great way to describe it.

[@stevesunset147]

Third of June...Chopping Cotton, Brother Bailing Hay!

[@mickjagger8439]

They bail weed now 🤪🤪

[@lynettecutshall6166]

Goosebumps every single time!

[@williamstrozier2437]

One of my favorites while serving in Vietnam when it came out...

[@Harley57]

Thank you for your service, sorry you had to wait to get the recognition you & do many deserve.

[@MydNyteRayne]

@william strozier My dad, named William also, stayed in the service until 1969..he decided to retire after 25 years, he was to go back for a 3rd tour in vietnam in 1969 but enough was enough. I was born a few years later. THANK YOU for your service.... a regconition not given freely back then and its sad, my dad never got over how he and others were not welcomed back. : (

[@johnmettler995]

Never served Viet Nam. You guys are my Heros. I was 17 yrs old in 75. Again you are my Heros.

[@johnmettler995]

Thank you for your services. You are a treasure my friend, love the Viet Nam vets.

[@chrisperrien7055]

@@MydNyteRayne "Thank You for Your Service " was a joke cooked up by the Government/Bush Sr Neocon admin post Desert Storm to keep the Cold War Vets involved and a patriotic feeling among the masses. It was a joke then in the early 90's and it became more of joke after 9/11 to any real vets. I laugh inside whenever hear it, then I think of friends who died in service who never got to hear the joke. I laugh for them., because it has been a joke for a very long time. WWII vets would laugh at it now.

[@dawnstratton315]

She passed away in 2022, this is the same Faye

[@RandyC.McBride]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??

[@williamleonard4962]

Just such a great song sung by a fantastic lady!

[@seanbryant-smith5662]

Yeah, she could write a song 🎵 alright 👍. Formidable artist stepping out of the 50s into a stella career steeped in success since way back....!

[@user-fr3vo4hl2d]

Her phrasing on this song is flawless.

[@robertcamp6885]

Amen. Pass the biscuits please

[@julietspoto9652]

It sends chills down my spine. It is as though you feel his spirit. Unbelievable song and singing.

[@davidvogel2909]

yes

[@maryrodriguez6425]

It sure does,love the song.

[@richardgough8416]

One of my all time favorites

[@pjesf]

Yes! The superb vocal combined with that instrumental arrangement - those strings echoing after the lyrics with that metronomic strum. So nice

[@OswaldMann]

I never get tired of this song

[@richieh.1857]

This was GREAT!!! I still have my 45 I bought back in the day at Woolworths for I think 49 or 99 cents. The great old days...

[@stevem-h5e]

Minimum wage was 99 cents, so you would have worked an hour to buy that record. Probably around 12 bucks at today's prices. That's a lot of money for a 45.

[@lynnl6965]

Still one of my absolute, all-time favourites.

[@inquirer1599]

Such talent no longer exists in today's "music".

[@tracygibson5783]

When I was a kid my dad would take us riding on Sunday and listening to music. This one of the best!!!

[@SheriFromDetroit]

Love love love this❤

[@RandyC.McBride]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??

[@JamesSullivan-fq9bw]

She does this well. She makes you see it and feel it. She knows how to capture a feeling with a song.

[@normanburnette5002]

I have crossed this bridge 500 times

[@johnmettler995]

This song is so classic, l don't recall anybody doing a cover. How could you? This song is timeless. Thanks Bobby. Love ya.

[@willmacintyre649]

How can you cover the plus ne ultra?

[@joeyharris5462]

No "cover" required. The people who lived 50 year ago are not the soul-less lizards of today. people with "connection" no longer to be found

[@kentdouglass1001]

I've never lived in Mississippi, but I did grow up in Arkansas. But somehow, this song always takes me back to a place I belong. That hasn't ever changed for me since 1976. I was one of the first to the theatres.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

I can't believe that I almost forgot all about Bobby Gentry. Thanks, KZbin, for reminding me.

[@brianbrino4310]

Bobby gentry was simply a fantastic singer and this song identifies her when she was mainly at her peak. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful song.🙏🙏🙏🍀🍀🍀🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️

[@richardburnett5314]

Shucks

[@lilyk7326]

And a fantastic song writer.

[@Dot-Dot-Dash]

Such a haunting song!

[@nicolasaleksandra6722]

Hello🌹

[@bobd3089]

She was beautiful

[@katiescarlett5249]

A hauntingly beautiful song and singer. I think Hollywood really lost an opportunity to make her a movie star. A song can be a three act play, this is certainly one and acted to perfection. 🌼🌷🌻

[@bmphil3400]

It was made into a TV movie with Bobby Benton......

[@colinedwards6153]

your brainy?

[@chrisperrien7055]

Phuck Hollywood, and Bobby Gentry never wanted a part of that commercialized MSM BS, no matter the money. She lives that way till her end. Which only makes her more respectable and honorable., now. She retreated from fame and money, because it wasn't her, or her music, or how she had been brought up. Elvis does not stand up so high. Besides , Ms. Gentry wrote and sang her own songs.

[@erics3101]

F Hollywood

[@johngriffin968]

I love this song! Don't know if it's the words/ writing of the song or Bobby's delivery but this song makes me feel like she's singing about events that actually happened. Awesome!

[@rjdavis7503]

It is the combination of all three, John.

[@chrisperrien7055]

She saw the song, wrote the song , and sung the song.

[@FahlstromJohn]

I believe the song is based on actual events

[@kennethldawsom7923]

It's that heart the mighty one put in a flesh body! Tic tock! Tic tock!

[@rosemaryojeda5949]

Maybe she is ,wasn't she born and raised there?

[@kenneth-pc7mf]

I have loved this song since it came out in 1967.And Bobby Gentry was such a beautiful Waman.

[@Imissthepostoffice]

No one can sing it like her. Glad this is understood by those who try.

[@jimdandy5798]

I still have this song on a 45 rpm record. From the first time I heard her sing the song, I was struck by how everything about the song, especially Ms. Gentry's voice, evoked so much atmosphere that it's almost visual... Those were the days. So much great music.

[@richieh.1857]

I also still have my 45 of this, ran out to Woolworths to get. Oh the good ole days....

[@MydNyteRayne]

It was the 3rd of June 2022.... still a great haunting song!

[@wehart2950]

This reminds me so much of growing up around the Mississippi Delta. My mother's name was Bobbie Jo even. She was 1 if 12 sisters born to share-cropper parents during the great depression. My daddy used to tease that he married her because she could pick more cotton than the other girls and I was young enough to believe him. Anyway, this song takes me back.

[@pegs1659]

My daddy was born in the delta. Sunflower County

[@savagesnayle301]

so sad so real so beautiful...............

[@raymondfryar1533]

This song brings me back when life was a bit easier, for me anyway. Not for everyone, childhood turns into oldhood before you know it.

[@rooky55]

Yup. I was a 15 year old gas pump jockey and life was good.

[@lucypotato8793]

HA!

[@chrisperrien7055]

If "Gorgeous" can be defined , It is Bobbie Gentry singing this song, in so many ways.

[@lolotaeja3911]

She's in a league with Patsy Cline. Utterly exceptional, unbelievably talented, driven, intelligent, knew what she wanted and got it, then disappeared. Wish Patsy had lived longer. National treasures, both of them.

[@daviswall3319]

Right on. I grew up in Mississippi. Real as it gets

[@nessieg23]

I've been a music nut since 1967. I still think this is probably the finest song (country, folk, whatever - defies definition) I've come across in all that time.

[@petermullen7037]

It is perfectly crafted.

[@1viridis]

I agree, a tantalizing mystery constructed around an ordinary dinner table conversation. Along with the gorgeous music and voice, this is lyric story telling at its finest.

[@thisisamistake7771]

This song is very old but it really fits our time today perfectly

[@bluelava4282]

How?

[@erics3101]

@@bluelava4282 Suicide rates? Just a guess ;) Get your booster

[@coralharvey7957]

Remember hearing this on my brand-new transistor radio in the sixties coming home from school on a hot 🔥 dusty afternoon along a sunny Suffolk lane. I could really identify with the sentiments. God bless her.

[@mickjagger8439]

AM radio, I bet

[@DreamingDarlin]

Transistor radios! Those were the days. I had a small, yellow, round one! Fun to listen to cool music back then.

[@nomadpi1]

Gentry is a premier balladeer. ODE TO BILLY JOE and Lightfoot's WRECK of the EDMUND FITZGERALD are two ballads that haunt the human heart. They both describe human emotions; wonderment and hurt. ODE TO BILLY JOE describes my youth in an agricultural county. It strikes straight to the human heart's wonder about love and loss, rather you're rural born or city born. Gentry is superb in her renditions. Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, Bobby Gentry, Dusty Springfield, et al are superb balladeers. Each is unique. I am thankful I was alive to hear them. And that is also my thanks for hearing Peggy Lee and Patti Page.

[@ralphaelalfaro6023]

This is a great list you have here my friend. Love them all too.

[@tinydancer36]

Jim Stafford's " Hattie's Shack,". Excellent!

[@elainek5753]

I was about 10 years old when this came out. Beautiful woman and voice. We only had country music in our home. I've been looking for this and Fancy and I found both. I prefer this version of Fancy to Reba's. Thank you very much for this.

[@wd8557]

No you where not 10. You was 11.

[@lawrencemay8671]

I was 12. Our family was actually eating supper when we heard it played on the radio. We all commenting how nonchalant about someone’s death whi,e eating supper as we say it in the South.

[@janicespencer6014]

Or folk music

[@joegreenwell9352]

Heard this song on my 1st night at Marine bootcamp Parris Island SC.1967.Won't hear any music for the next 3 months.

[@aarondigby5054]

@@wd8557 every am radio station in the south played it four, five, six times a day. I listened to it every morning waiting on he school bus to arrive, I was nine going on ten years old.

[@iamericandavinci]

The tone and timbre of her voice is pitch perfect.

[@wl9170]

Good Lord what a talent!!!!

[@RandyC.McBride]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??

[@pastelskies8466]

She sounds so country kinfolk, dirt road music yet her beauty would stop traffic. Great story teller.

[@Odyss-d2p]

John and Minnie Freeman . You are loved and missed. Rest in eternal peace. Gone but not forgotten.

[@lasharncampbell8698]

One of the best songs made. The movie is so sad. I, love it. ❤😂❤😊😢😢😢

[@davidroach8277]

A story in a song....you really can't get anything better...👏👏👏♥️

[@MaxPower-if3yz]

Babababeeee

[@robyn3349]

A masterpiece.

[@deanandreoli1975]

A long time favorite that never loses any of it's enchantment. 💙❤️‍🔥👑

[@markvonhendy5626]

I was 11 when I first heard this song 55 years ago. I would stay awake school nights with my transistor radio turned low tuned to the Far East Network hoping to hear it again.

[@matthewoser41]

She's beautiful ❤

[@liberty5069]

Perhaps the finest mysterious tragic love ballad in the history of music.

[@MichaelHarding-hj2ri]

Tremendous songwriting.

[@quirtdrozario856]

Love her throaty voice. Great song. A milestone really in the annals of folk music.

[@sunlotus8]

I lived in Montgomery Alabama the year this came out. totally captures the melancholy of the deep south in those days

[@iansuntjenssli9739]

Beautiful song pretty girl 😀😀

[@johnknottenbelt2727]

Another country classic delivering yet another story about a shame that never should have been. How many were crushed by those who bore their own dark secrets to divert their own sins and shame. And those kitchen table conversations...

[@randythreet4391]

Saw the movie back in the 70s and heard song for 1st time. Shes got a voice

[@abelflores1593]

Do you remember the name of that movie

[@pingadol1555]

@@abelflores1593 Ode to Billy Joe is the name of the movie too.

[@rooky55]

I grew up with Bobbie and Joan Baez. 2 of the greatest voices of all time.

[@markkennedy4854]

Good music went away just like everything else "good" in this country - "out the door & down the road". The 60's & 70's had the best music of all time, I am so glad that I grew up in the best generation ever. 👍🏻

[@DougMcGonegle]

I’m Transported to another dimension by Brilliance of The voice…the lyrics…the melody. One of a KIND.

[@paulgekides6608]

When my brother visited from the old Country decades ago, he first wanted to go to the Tallahatchie bridge. Seeing New Orleans, Elvis childhood home and such were secondary. That’s how much he loved this song and the story behind it…

[@KruiseDale]

Beautiful woman, soulful song

[@MorrisJP283]

So freaking Haunting it isn't funny, don't know how else to put it other than Beautiful beyond belief.....................

[@Whitfield22]

I first heard this song on the radio when I was 17 and thought it was so out of the ordinary but I immediately was enamored and hoped it would earn recognition so I could hear it again. Little did I know that I wasn't alone and that it would become a hit and gain such a large following. It resonated with me having grown up on a Midwest farm and now that we live in Mississippi, not far from the Delta, it has another dimension of special meaning, especially every summer "sleepy, dusty Delta day."

[@Robin-sd1dx]

I started singing this song when I was younger. I'm 46 and it is still one of my favorite karaoke songs 🤩

[@jenniferdowd7168]

It’s years since I heard this song ,I love it 🥰

[@Mike-p6e]

Itz too bad that it took me so long to find out this song was or is a true story. I miss the lady and her music . This is the stuff i grew up on. Thank you ms Gentry. You are sorely missed.

[@countrymusicguitarclassics]

What a great song!!!!

[@rickmendel6618]

what a great movie

[@marksanchez8055]

First time I heard this, my traveling buddy and I were in a Chevele SS 396 Running about 85 miles an hour, going to Nebraska from a rodeo in Sa Saba Texas, we were somewhere north of Abilene Texas, middle of the night, never will forget it

[@d.jean7014]

Us baby boomers had the best music..

[@vowelsounds6312]

The violins sympathize so effortlessly

[@rainstein3680]

I have a special place in my heart for this tune, one that my mom (God rest her soul) introduced to me, like other amazing classics from the 60s

[@andygreen26]

All time classic and very moving

[@pattydavis8403]

She is still alive yes she is and still looks rhe same she will be 82 this year.

[@steveh1778]

Now if we could know what happened to this young lady and hopefully, she is doing well today. Bobby is great and she should know that many people like and respect her for all that she did.