I'M HER NEW BIGGEST FAN! | Bobbie Gentry - "Fancy" - REACTION

[@redtick79]

This is Bobbie's song, she wrote it!

[@RaveGamingCommunity]

yep bobbies

[@jeffcindyhendricks6425]

Yes she did I remember the first time I heard it way B4 Reba

[@RichardMcGrath]

Bobbie (born 1942) wrote and sang Fancy, long before Reba (born 1955) sang it. Check this out, Bobbie grew up the next county over in Mississippi from where Elvis (born 1935) grew up!

[@danielrdrown1]

Yes it's so bluesy. Cissy Houston(Whitney Houston's mother) is the background vocalist. Bobbie Gentry wrote the song in 1969 and recorded it at Rick Hall's legendary Fame Studio( Aretha Franklin recorded at Fame too) The original Gentry single was a smash with an impressive four month run on the Billboard pop hot 100. It sold a million singles for Bobbie in North America. To date the song Fancy has sold 25 million copies on 26 covers. Bobbie Gentry made millions on the Reba cover. Bobbie Gentry's, Ode to Billie Joe, has 246 covers and has sold a staggering 50 million records. Just last year, Bobbie Gentry at 81(who now goes only by her birth name Roberta Streeter) signed a massive new multi million dollar publishing deal with Universal Music Group. Her estimated wealth is over 100 million dollars. In the 1970's Bobbie Gentry was the Queen Of Las Vegas. She worked for the reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes headlining his string of casinos for the better part of a decade. In 1976 she signed a contract with the Howard Hughes Organization to work 16 week a year for 2.5 million. She was making at least 100k a week during her long Vegas tenure and was voted top female act on the strip four year running.

[@anthonyvasiliades839]

Bobbie sent 50k and became part owner of the Phoenix Suns for over 20 years she married the owner of Harrah’s Casino she invested her money in real estate and became very rich and last but not least she dated Elvis Presley for awhile.

[@cowgirlinrainboots5336]

Bobbie is an icon. She wrote, sung and produced. She bought a NBA team made a lot of money. Then disappeared.

[@splender88]

Bobbie released this in 1969 and she wrote it Reba released it in 1990. Bobbie is still with us and is 81 years old.

[@LeisaStephens]

I'm a Mississippi girl. Bobbie Gentry will always be our Queen of the Mississippi Delta.

[@matthawkins8880]

Bobbie Gentry pretty much was Superwoman. She started writing and singing songs and made some money. She invested it and made more money. She went into sports ownership and made more money. She became a multi-multi millionaire. She is brilliant. I am just sorry she stopped writing and singing because I love her songs.

[@Haziesmom2023]

Thanks! Great Information~

[@peterhardy2681]

Young lady...you never cease to make me laugh...You are wonderful at this job...

[@hlawrencepowell]

Bobby wrote it. Reba became famous because of it. "Fancy" is a song that was written and originally recorded by Bobbie Gentry. The song was released as a single in 1969 and became one of Gentry's most well-known and successful songs. Bobbie Gentry not only wrote the song but also performed it, showcasing her distinctive vocal style. "Fancy" tells the story of a young girl named Fancy who is born into poverty but transforms herself into a sophisticated woman through various means, including becoming a courtesan. The song has been praised for its storytelling and Gentry's emotive delivery. Over the years, "Fancy" has been covered by various artists in different genres, further solidifying its place in popular music.

[@babylonsister118]

Nor only was she an incredible story-teller, but she was a pioneer in that she actually produced some of her own work! Pretty good for a female singer/songwriter in those days!

[@colibri1]

I"ll just add to what others are saying: This song is from 1969, written by Gentry, and the way she dances and dresses were styles of the time. She didn't originate that fashion style, those kinds of looks were in style at the time, but she wore it very well.

[@1new-man]

Bobbie Gentry (born Roberta Lee Streeter; July 27, 1942) is a retired American singer-songwriter. She was one of the first female artists in America to compose and produce her own material. near Woodland, Mississippi, U.S. Gentry rose to international fame in 1967 with her Southern Gothic narrative "Ode to Billie Joe".

[@SherryDocchio]

She was a pretty deep songwriter and she was gorgeous, smart and a talented story teller. We had very dressy pantsuits back in the early 70s. I had one made of black velvet with sheered velvet legs and sleeves. The sheering left a design shaped like leaves all down the pants and sleeves. Black taffeta lined the pants down to mid thigh so it was only "see through" below that point. Some pantsuits were made to wear for evening and formal events. I would say she wore hers very well indeed. Her first husband was the adorable Jim Stafford who was also a story teller in his music but his songs were more comical like "I Don't Like Spiders and Snakes". He had a weekly show on TV and it was so damned funny. Love your reaction to Bobby Gentry's all around unique aura.

[@LoriTalbot-du2qt]

She is one of the most talented, underrated performers out there.

[@storbokki371]

"Fancy" is a song written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969. The country song was a crossover pop music hit for Gentry, reaching the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 (her second and final solo single to do so) and the top 30 of the Billboard country chart. It was covered in 1990 by country music artist Reba McEntire on her album Rumor Has It. McEntire's version surpassed the original on the country music charts, reaching the Top Ten on Billboard's Hot Country Hits in 1991. - wikipedia

[@MJ-mw6vj]

It was never a country song at all. Bobbie Gentry was not a country artist at all. She was Southern for sure but her music is far from country. She was a pop artist who was a Southern girl from Mississippi. All you have to do is listen to the music to understand that. There isn't one thing that is country about the song Fancy except the setting. The arrangement is not even the slightest bit country. It is straight Fame Rhythm and Blues through and through.

[@storbokki371]

@@MJ-mw6vj Don't like it? Take it up with Wikipedia.

[@MJ-mw6vj]

First mistake asking the all knowing Wikipedia. The sage of our time. Let's not trust our own ears.

[@storbokki371]

​@@MJ-mw6vj Are you denying that it hit the top 30 of the Billboard country chart? Are you denying that Reba McEntire's cover hit the Top Ten on Billboard's Hot Country Hits in 1991? Stay stupid.

[@storbokki371]

@@MJ-mw6vj Do you deny that her song was in the top 30 of the Billboard country chart? Do you deny that Reba McEntire's cover reaching the Top Ten on Billboard's Hot Country Hits? Cry harder, short bus.

[@smarttvhome335]

She was decades ahead of her time. Genius composer as well. (I read years ago that she composed her first song before the age of 10.) She studied philosophy at UCLA, and she actually also worked as a fashion model, so I guess that was her "in" for outfits. Lol.

[@KittyDillion]

No, Miss, this is Bobbie Gentry's Fancy. Bobbie made all of her own clothes and performance outfits, and designed her stage sets wwhen she did Vega shows. Yes, she is still alive.

[@caroljshepherd3848]

Bobbie Gentry is a bloody genius! She was pretty much self taught. Those fabulous orchestrations are all hers and they're just delicious! The music industry didn't know what to do with her so they did what they always do, even now, and paired her up with male stars of the day and made her sing romantic duets. I think she was so dissatisfied with the music business that she simply shut up shop and disappeared. I suspect that when she dies there will be a massive body of work "discovered.' So glad you came back to her for a second look. ❤

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Bobbie was indeed wonder-woman. She wrote this song and recorded it first. It was a big song for her. She was an incredible singer and writer. She also was able to produce some of her own stuff which to that point was unheard of for a female performer. After a while she started getting some pushback from record companies who wanted to control her music and use other producers. So after a short time Bobbie quit music. Went back to school and studied philosophy (I believe). She dipped her toe into other types of business investments and proved to have a Midas touch. Got married a couple times, once to country singer/songwriter Jim Stafford, and her investments and talents made her a wealthy woman. Bobbie is still with us (last I heard) and is 81 yrs young, and is either living in the Nashville area or Vegas (depending on who you believe). I don't recall her doing any acting, but based on how she did everything else I would say that if she had she would have crushed it. Reba did do a cover of this song. Reba's version of the night the lights went out in Georgia was also a cover. That song first became a hit for Vicki Lawrence who was actually a comedic actress and a cast member of the old Carol Burnett show, and then Vicki starred in the TV show Mamas Family. I think I recall that Vicki was married to the guy who wrote that song. Anyway, great reaction Britt. Oh and you would look fabulous in that outfit. Wishing you and yours a safe and healthy and Happy Holiday season. Merry Christmas.

[@amyperkins2008]

If you find this outfit, you gotta go live when you wear it to Publix. I NEED to see that!!!

[@tinaandtheworld]

"Fancy" is a song written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969.

[@charlesboudreau5849]

Bobbie wrote and sang this in the mid to late 60s, reba sang it 25 to30 yrs later. do her song Mississippi delta, ode to billy Joe. She retired in the 80s. She is still living in LA , she 81 now❤❤🇺🇲🇺🇲love ya baby girl

[@scotttrammell3913]

For my two cents, Bobbie Gentry is/was one of the most beautiful women I've ever laid eyes upon.

[@sonyaball4696]

Bobby Gentry was an Icon. My father is now 89 years old, and I can remember when she would come on to the television, maybe receiving 4 channels. Anything featuring Bibby Gentry, we watched it. My father, to this day, has much respect for my mother, but Bobby Gentry, We all gasped at her beauty and talent. As respectful as my father could be, his admiration for this woman was respected by us all, even my mother. Now that is saying something. Mom is from Maryland, and she has always spoken her mind, but with Bobby, she gave props.

[@fastecp1]

Fancy is a song written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969.

[@James7249]

Don't forget each versions of this song are different generations

[@keithier1958]

Bobbie was there at the beginning when women had fought, for a place in the music industry. Remember this was written in 1969.

[@sarajones5436]

Everytime she sang she acted. Her entire mind and body we t i to her performances. In the song her mother gave her the best possible chance she could

[@Yowza78]

To my knowledge, Bobbie never acted. But she was a storyteller! That's what you're responding to, I think, her ability to paint a picture with words. "Ode to Billie Joe" does the same thing. That's what great writing is capable of.

[@jeffreyanderson4346]

Bobbie was from the era of the late 60's, early 70's

[@zachmartin5876]

Benevolent means good, kind, and helpful

[@michaelsutherland9069]

I havent read all the comments below. Im sure others have probably already mentioned this but if they havent you should do a deep dive on Bobbies life. She was a pioneer for women singers. She just up and walked away from the industry and has lived off the radar and hid from numerous people trying to find her. When reba re-did this song she had everyone trying to get her in touch with Bobbie and she wouldnt even respond to Reba, lol.

[@boosuedon]

Benevolent: of a charitable nature.

[@mlong1958]

Bobbie is still with us at 81 years old. She was a powerhouse when she was active.

[@pamagnolia]

Absolutely fabulous song. She’s so great!!

[@SandBrat]

We all danced like that in the late 60's early 70's. Bobbie is AMAZEBALLS!!

[@SandBrat]

Hell, my husband still dances that way, caught him in the barn grooving to Savoy Brown 😆

[@sarajones5436]

Everytime she sang she acted. Her entire mind and body we t i to her performances

[@MJ-mw6vj]

She had full Vegas shows that ran during they hayday of the strip. She designed all the outfits and sets. If you like Bobby Gentry you should listen to Cocaine and Rhinestones podcast on the song Ode to Billy Joe. Tyler does an unbelievable amount of justice to the Artist that was Bobbie Gentry. I'm sure you'll love it if you love her.

[@debibailey2968]

I had no idea that Bobby Gentry wrote this! But always adored her ! So cool!!!! ❤❤❤

[@jackieevans8998]

Yes, Reba covered it. Bobbie wrote and sang this song in 1969. Reba is 69yo, Bobbie is 81 now

[@michaelrochester48]

I always had a fascination with her because her song ode to Billie Jo was number one the week I was born

[@shannonwittman950]

"Benevolent" means the guy was giving and nice. And rich. Hard combo to find nowadays.

[@guidedmeditation2396]

The plot of FANCY seems to mirror that of the movie "Titanic". Where a mother pimps out the daughter in hopes of helping herself financially.

[@Bonk_rds]

Reba covered this the same way she did "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia".

[@garbo6917]

This is the Legendary Bobbie Gentry song.

[@jeffjohnson9911]

She also recorded duets with Glen Campbell. Check out "Let It Be Me & All I Have To Do Is Dream" both originally by the Everly Brothers.

[@mikmaqwoman]

Gentry was the first female writer and vocalist back in the day

[@christophercraig9045]

The orchestration of the music was good too… the horns, the rhythm, the tambourine…. Just bad ass…

[@Haziesmom2023]

I just adore your comments, Britt!!! You are so Alive...... 👒

[@traceydsm]

You''re adorable! And Bobbie wrote it not quite 20 years before Reba got to it.

[@karendavis2668]

My first time hearing this!! I'm shook ❤ so great!

[@mikematusek4233]

Bobbie Gentry wrote and sang this in the late 1960's, Reba covered it in the 90's. Meet how it was meant to be. I think this was her show, but that is definitely a Bob Mackie design. she died in the last 12-18 months. singer, song writer, producer, poet with a PHD.

[@katherinesimkins3325]

Bobbie is still alive

[@JamesLachowsky]

Still alive and she didn't have a Ph.D.

[@docberf]

Bobbie wrote it in 1969; Reba covered it in the 80's/90's. Country singer Lynn Anderson covered it in between.

[@littleogeechee223]

Benevolent means well-meaning and kindly, generous…

[@rickweaver1151]

This just might be your best reaction yet. Keep 'em coming, girl!

[@billparrish4385]

Bobbie wrote _Fancy_ and released it as a single in 1969, on the _Fancy_ album April 6, 1970 (54 years ago this Saturday). Reba covered _Fancy,_ in 1990. Both artists did a very fine job, but I'll always hear Bobbie's version in my head, with her low-country contralto and the 'atmosphere' of the simple arrangement and accompaniment. Reba's voice is unparalleled, and the video is moving, but no one can match Bobbie.

[@peterburrell007]

Bobby wrote this in 1969, when Reba was only 14 years old.

[@MJ-mw6vj]

This is all muscle shoals. She wrote this because Rick Hall told her to write another Ode to Billie Joe. She came in with Fancy, just a monster story and song. He gave it the F A M E touch the result is pure musical perfection. Everything Bobbie Gentry did is unlike all other artists. Everything is so good. The Girl From Chickasaw County Box Set is incredible.Plus she was a genius business woman.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

Bobbie was a great songwriter and very good at live performances but said goodbye to the fame after the mid 70s and she still gets more notoriety thanks to the modern platforms we have now ..

[@Stephen-nd1sx]

I remembered watching her as a preteen boy at the time wondering why I couldn't take my eyes off of her!

[@katherinesimkins3325]

Ode to Billie Jo is also another song you should check out by Bobbie Gentry

[@fergieferguson2457]

Bobby wrote that song in 1969 released on Her album Fancy! brought her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal. Bobby charted 11 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and four singles on the United Kingdom Top 40 Reba wasn’t even heard of when these iconic songs was released..

[@judytilford6482]

Bobbie Gentry wrote and recorded Fancy in 1969.

[@Sonja14athome]

When this song first came out in '69 the opening lyrics were "I remember it all very well lookin back it was the summer I turned Fifteen..." You are listening to a clip from a tv program that aired well after the song hit the radio. By that time the censors (and all the freaked out parents) had made sure the word "fifteen" was changed to "eighteen".

[@davidpeters3857]

Absolute legend

[@garynorred4643]

Yep, Bobbie wrote this, and Ode to Billy Joe, the other Bobbie Gentry song that you reacted to! I love your reaction to both songs!

[@9559tommy]

She designed most of the outfits she wore

[@ricksexton8888]

Just FYI Benevolent means to do good, but is normally associated with well to do people, i.e. We had a benevolent benefactor donate 1,000,000 dollars to our homeless shelter.

[@nancyball5343]

Remember Bobbie Gentry is the same great singer and writer that wrote Ode to Billie Joe. One thing I love about Bobbie Gentry’s version of Fancy is the instruments and drums. Love that drummer.

[@2199SPUDMAN]

What you're witnessing is 100% pure talent. You see this incredible performance and this then you hear some garbage like WAP and you just want to puke. What an incredible woman - beautiful inside and out. Good Lord!

[@josephseverino674]

Bobbie Gentry,Queen of the delta.Johny cash once called her,i agree.

[@carlachadwick2927]

This is Bobbie’s song, she wrote and sang it. Reba remade it later in the 90s I believe, could be late 80s

[@pepperandzip]

I love your enthusiasm you are as bright as the sunshine

[@Thomas-rw9nt]

Love this song. Bobbie's is the original. Great reaction. I had the biggest crush on Bobbie when I was a kid and still do.

[@carleenspada2293]

Beautiful Bobbie Gentry was born on July 27th 1942

[@jeffk.9075]

Some good Bobbie tracks Reunion Okolona River Bottom Band Lousiana Man All I Have to Do is Dream She's still alive. She retired from the public eye in 1982 and doesn't do interviews. There are sightings here and there. Last time she was out in public eye was the ACM awards in 82, she accepted an award, walked off stage and that was that. She is a part owner of a sports team, (can't remember which one off the top of my head) and I think lives outside of Nashville somewhere. Others more in the know will correct me. Also, benevolent means kind and generous, which is a great song by Natalie Merchant you should check out sometime.

[@jeffreyk5734]

Bobbie has two extra verses that Reba didn't reprise in her version. Not a big Reba fan, I used to get ticked off that she could do a cover and get a number 1 song out of it and other artists that I liked couldn't even get their cover record played at all. Bobbie's original version is from 1969 and she wrote it entirely on her own. Britt, can I get you to react to a Lari White song. Maybe starting with her duet, she wrote with Travis Tritt "Helping Me Get Over You" from 1997. The video to which has over 11 million views on KZbin. Lari was my favorite female Country Artists in the 90's and she is mostly forgotten. I hope to see that change. he was a tremendous talent who never got her just do in the industry, even though she won 3 Grammy's. I'd love to see you or anyone react to one of her songs like "Stepping Stone", "Wishes", "Ghost Of A Chance", "Lead Me Not, That's How You Know", "You Can't Go Home Again", "This Is Love", "Now I Know", "Wild At Heart", The list goes on and on. Lari will amaze you will her fantastic voice and talent. She wrote many hit songs for other people.

[@diannatuttle6112]

Bobby Gentry wrote this and recorded it in 1969.

[@noblelee4765]

People... Compromise on all levels is required... Like it or NOT... America... It is what it is

[@lesal.1373]

Ode to Billie Jo is the song I remember by her. Great story telling lyrics. She was popular in the late 60s early 70s.

[@billparrish4385]

The 'benevolent man' was likely a rich man who took in the 18-year-old and gave her a lifestyle she'd never known, in exchange for certain 'favors'. Fancy's story is about a teenage prostitute, but one who against the odds becomes rich and famous herself. The story has parallels in Bobbie's own life, not the prostitute element, but certainly some of the rags-to-riches aspects. Born Roberta Lee Streeter in 1942, from Chickasaw County, Mississippi, Bobbie grew up without running water or electricity. She moved with her mother to California, to live on her grandparents' farm after her parents divorced. She was writing songs by age 7, learned piano on an old instrument her grandmother had bartered for with one of the farm's dairy cows, and performed in a mother-daughter act with her mom at age 13. She later took the stage surname 'Gentry' from the movie _Ruby Gentry,_ the 1952 Jennifer Jones vehicle, itself the story of a poor but beautiful girl who ends up marrying the town tycoon. A month after _Fancy_ the single released in 1969, Bobbie married casino and hotel magnate Bill Harrah (yes, _that_ Harrah's), in a marriage that lasted 4 months. She credited the movie _Ruby Gentry_ as the inspiration for both her stage name and her personal life. Bobbie took the the stage name when she herself was 18 years old....

[@ramontieso1208]

Bobby was the first woman to write in produce her own music

[@Richardtv1968]

I am all along with you on Bobby Gentry …….. just sensational

[@tammytenaro-pressley5713]

Bobbie Gentry wrote and sang this song in 1969! I’m like you, I LOVE her soulful music as well!

[@mitchjordan5441]

Bobbie married singer Jim Stafford for a few years. He has several great songs also

[@deangarner5662]

Roberta Flack had a hit with "Killing Me Softly" but Lori Lieberman recorded it first after hearing Don McLean sing "Empty Chairs" at the Troubador in L.A.

[@cydelegs]

Reba’s Fancy wasn’t played here in Australia so it didn’t become the iconic country hit like in the states, when I finally watched it on KZbin unfortunately it just couldn’t compete with my love for Gentry’s original.

[@timblitch1909]

This song was always the high point of her lavish Vegas productions, starting off with a scorching House of the Rising Sun segueing into Fancy. Somewhere near the 3rd verse a long, long red feather boa would find its way across Bobbie's shoulders as if out of nowhere that Bobbie used to great dramatic effect- snake snapping it across the stage to her passionate vocals. Fancy was the result of a record producer who wanted to record Bobbie asking if she had another Billy Joe in her. Bobbie's response was, "I'll try". A song about an unrepentant prostitute whose life didn't end in tragedy and degradation (as the "self-righteous hypocrites" would have demanded) was controversial for its time and most probably the reason it wasn't the huge hit Billy Joe was- some DJ's wouldn't play it, although she did receive a Grammy nomination. The song is a social commentary on the difficulties and limited choices for women- particularly poor women- to advance. Bobbie called it her strongest statement in support of the women's liberation movement of the time. Not much had changed by the time Reba wanted to cover the song; I read her record execs objected saying "it's about a prostitute". In the mid 70's Bobbie had a summer TV replacement show. The network would not let her perform the song on the show as the show aired during "the family hour". This is from the Carol Burnett Show (must not have been in the family hour and kudos to Burnett for her bravery). As for the outfit-- I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the multi-talented Miss Gentry designed it herself.

[@mikehowell5965]

Bobbie Gentry is now 81 years old and lives in Memphis and LA depending on the time of the year. She got married in early 1982 and retired from everything. Her last TV or public appetence was in April of 1982. After that she hasn't sing, made a pubic appetence or interview. She would have been 39 at the time. That was 42 years ago.

[@DavidMcConnell-z4i]

You have to listen to "Ode to Billy-Joe"! It was her first big hit and it remains a classic, amazing song! Bobbie Gentry made her money in entertainment, invested it well, and disappeared from public. Considering her level of fame and recognition, it's probably the best disappearing act ever accomplished by a huge star. No one in the public sphere knows where she went, or where she is today. She made her money, packed her bags, and left. Smart lady!

[@ginnyn9660]

Yes, this is Bobbie's song!

[@jimj.3086]

Benevolent: well meaning and kindly. Your videos ALWAYS make me smile Gurr, you are funny.

[@betty481]

You should listen to Ode to Billy Joe by her its just.as good

[@rowynnecrowley1689]

Reba was my first introduction to this song too. Hearing the original, it's no wonder Reba ended up covering it. They've got similar styles.

[@larrymathis3570]

The captivating country song “Fancy” was originally written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969 for her album of the same name. It’s a powerful narrative that weaves together themes of ambition, sacrifice, and upward mobility.

[@hopebowman530]

I heard fancy, alot i didn't know bobbi wrote, to me song make sense a lot

[@benroach74]

Bobbie s song period

[@ramblingbill9101]

I always thought it was Reba’s song. Cool to know Bobbie wrote it. They both sing it in their own style and both are great.

[@norsechick]

You are right Britt. That outfit is everything.