Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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GENTRY, Bobbie

(b Roberta Streeter, 27 July '44, Chickasaw CO) Singer. Studied philosophy, music in LA; worked as secretary, Las Vegas dancer, then stormed pop chart with 'Ode To Billie Jo' (no. 1 USA/13 UK '67). Beautifully produced story song (arr. by Jimmy Haskell, engineer Kelly Gordon) about indifference to teenage tragedy won several Grammys; Gentry won CMA award as most promising female vocalist; film based on song made '76 with additional music by Michel Legrand: reissue of original and theme music from film both made Hot 100 '76. Other hits incl. duet with Glen Campbell 'All I Have To Do Is Dream' '70 (no. 27 USA/3 UK), second no. 1 in UK with 'I'll Never Fall In Love Again' '70. Gentry TV series in UK, radio show on Armed Forces Network, work in Las Vegas clubs.