The unique American singer Bobbie Gentry gained her popularity thanks to her commitment to the country music genre, in which women practically did not perform before. Especially with personally written compositions. The unusual ballad style of singing with gothic texts immediately distinguished the singer from other performers. And also allowed to take a leading position in the lists of the best singles according to Billboard magazine.
The childhood of the singer Bobbie Gentry
The real name of the performer is Roberta Lee Streeter. Her parents, Ruby Lee and Robert Harrison Streeter, divorced almost immediately after the girl's birth. Little Roberta's childhood passed in harsh conditions, without the conveniences of civilization, in the company of her father's parents. The girl really wanted to become a musician, and she was presented with a piano, exchanging it for one of the cows. When Gentry was 7 years old, she came up with an amazing song about a dog. Her father helped her learn other instruments.
When Bobby was 13 years old, she was taken in by her mother, who lived in California and already had another family. They even sang together like Ruby and Bobby Myers. The girl took a pseudonym for herself by the name of the main character of the film, Ruby Gentry, who at that time was a provincial beauty who ended up marrying a local rich man.
After graduating from high school, Gentry decided to continue her studies in Los Angeles at the Faculty of Philosophy. To support herself, she had to sing in dance clubs and work as a model.
Later, the aspiring singer transferred to the conservatory. She once attended a Jody Reynolds concert and asked for a recording session. As a result, two joint works were presented: Stranger in the Mirror and Requiem for Love. The songs did not become popular.
Bobbie Gentry Music Career
The beginning of Gentry's professional career can be considered the appearance of the song Ode to Billie Joe, a demo version of which was presented in Glendale at the Whitney Recording Studio. The singer wanted to offer her songs to other performers. But she had to perform Ode to Billie Joe herself, as she was unable to pay for the services of a professional singer.
Gentry then signed a contract with Capitol Records and began recording her debut album. It included Ode to Billie Joe, although the lead single was supposed to be Mississippi Delta. Ode to Billie Joe stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard magazine for several weeks, and by the end of the year it was No. 3. The single was so popular that it sold over 3 million copies. Thanks to Rolling Stone magazine, it was included in the list of 500 famous songs.
To create the album Ode to Billie Joe, 12 more songs were added, which included blues, jazz and folk compositions. The circulation was increased to 500 thousand copies and was very successful, beating even The Beatles.
In 1967, the artist was awarded three Grammy awards in the categories "Best Female Performer", "Most Promising Female Vocalist" and "Female Vocalist". Possession of an amazingly textured voice, bewitching with elegant melody and vivid emotionality, expanded the artist's creative possibilities.
A year later, the single La Città è Grande was released. In the same period they recorded the disc The Delta Sweete, which was serious and thorough. Gentry recorded the musical score herself, playing piano, guitar, banjo and other instruments. Although the compilation was not as successful as the first album, it was considered by critics to be an unsung masterpiece. Her strong voice, the sound of which critics and fans compare to a bell. She had an extraordinary, attractive and sexy appearance.
First tours, work with labels, top charts and Bobby Gentry awards
Increasing popularity led the singer to the famous BBC television company, where she was invited as the host of an entertainment show. 6 programs were filmed, airing once a week, in which the artist was also involved in directing. New albums and compositions were recorded, which became "gold", "platinum".
The following year, the second series of broadcasts on the BBC came out and another Patchwork album appeared. There were few original songs, mostly cover versions. The collection of songs did not have significant success, taking only 164th position out of 200 on Billboard. At the same time, the singer performed in Canada in four television programs.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Gentry continued her creative work, releasing albums and filming for the BBC. She then had to part ways with the record company Capitol Records due to disagreements and continue her television work on a program that was very popular on television.
What do you hear about the famous singer Bobbie Gentry today?
The last appearance of the artist in public took place in April 1982, when the singer was 40 years old. Since then, she has not performed, has not met with journalists and has not written songs. She is currently 76 years old and lives in a gated community near Los Angeles. Some sources call her place of residence - the state of Tennessee.
