That is the opening line of one of music’s most discussed, examined and appreciated songs — “Ode to Billie Joe,” written and performed by Bobbie Gentry, who was born in Mississippi’s Chickasaw County.

The fictional character made famous by the 1967 Bobbie Gentry song “Ode to Billie Joe” was honored with a belated memorial service Thursday. The unusual event was attended by a mix of guests including ...

Though her birth name was Roberta Lee Streeter, she was known around the world as Bobbie Gentry. Born in Chickasaw County, Mississippi, and raised in the town of Greenwood, Gentry is most known for ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. In 1967, folk-country singer Bobbie Gentry became famous for her song “Ode to Billie Joe.” The unlikely hit about a young man’s ...

Music fans know the importance of Friday. “It was the 3rd of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day.” That is the opening line of one of music’s most discussed, examined and appreciated songs — Ode to ...