A To Z Challenge, Music Blog

That’s Entertainment – Letter O

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Welcome back to “That’s Entertainment!” –
The A To Z Challenge.
I hope you enjoy my musical selections.
Let’s see what’s up today!

© NAR
Artwork by Ernest Federspiel

ODE TO BILLIE JOE – It was doubtful if 1967’s “Ode To Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry would gain popularity, but it became a smash hit as many people attempted to solve the mystery behind this chilling song. As a family talks about the unexplained death of their neighbor, the song juxtaposes the severity of dying with the lighthearted – perhaps callous – nature of a casual dinner conversation. The entire song is written in action – not a single emotion stated, no inner monologue, just action – which is part of what makes it so powerful. We’re a fly on the wall observing the behavior of this family, and each member’s individual reactions to the fate of their young friend, and what that reveals about them. It’s truly so well-crafted – a perfect, dark story set to incredibly evocative chords. Among the many things that makes this recording special is the lush string arrangement in the background – extremely unusual for a folk song. The dissonant guitar chords provide an exquisite synchronicity between the dismal subject matter and the every-day conversation while the family eats dinner. And let’s not overlook that final cascade of violins; the symbolism is among the most evocative ever encountered in popular music. Bobbie Gentry was one of the first female artists in America to compose and produce her own material; “Ode To Billie Joe” propelled her to international fame. The track spent four weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Gentry Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1968. After her first few albums, Bobbie Gentry had a successful run of variety shows in Las Vegas; in the late 1970s, she lost interest in performing, and retired from the music industry. Bobbie Gentry dropped of the grid in 1982 and has led a life of seclusion since then … just more mystery surrounding this incredible song.

This is “Ode To Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry


Please join me again tomorrow for more of “That’s Entertainment” and the A To Z Challenge!

I’m Nancy and I’ll see you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2025

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38 thoughts on “That’s Entertainment – Letter O”

  3. I think my sister may have had the 45 of this song. I remember it was used in a made for TV movie in the 1970s that starred Robbie Benson. Sensationalized Hollywood, the song really stands on its own.

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    1. Absolutely! I refuse to watch the movie on general principles alone. It was an unnecessary film which did nothing but sensationalize the song; that’s unforgivable. Fortunately, the song was not negatively impacted, due, in part, to the fact that the movie got lousy reviews. I’m sure people watched hoping for some big reveal which never happened. Just a stupid sellout and a disappointing move by Gentry.

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    1. Oh, how wonderful to introduce one of my favorite songs to you, Esther. Each time I listen, I am overwhelmed with the brilliance of this song, how Billie Joe’s death is discussed as coldly and matter-of-factly as passing the biscuits. Thank you so much!

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  10. Great song, I always liked this, Nancy. The real mystery here is what in the heck ever happened to Bobbie Gentry, as she has not recorded, performed, been interviewed, or been heard from since 1982.  One news report stated that Gentry lives in a gated community near Memphis, Tennessee, and according to another, Gentry lives in a gated community in Los Angeles.  How can a person just drop off the map like that? I would like to have another piece of that apple pie also.

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    1. Right you are, Jim. I’ve often wondered if Bobbie Gentry’s disappearing act wasn’t part of some grand master plan. What other song can you name that achieved international fame yet is totally engulfed in mystery, along with the songwriter/performer? I can’t think of a single one!

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  15. Great song from great artist, Nancy … Here in Aussieland we have the very talented Orianthi, (Orianthi Penny Panagaris). She is an Australian guitarist, singer and songwriter. Her 2009 debut single “According to You” peaked at No. 3 in Japan, No. 8 in Australia and No. 17 in the US

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