Country music seems to have nearly forgotten one-time megastar Bobbie Gentry, who rose to mainstream fame in 1967 with pop crossover hit Ode to Billy Joe, and just as suddenly vanished in the early 80s. However, Gentry s most devoted fans have never forgotten the singer. Neither have the host of country stars who count her as an influence, such as Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves and Tanya Tucker.
In fact, Gentry s career made such an impression on so many people that a comeback would have been a huge development for her fanbase, even years after her retirement from the music industry. It almost happened but ultimately, it wasn t meant to be.