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.
State of Our City | Jan. 7-14
Some bite-sized morsels of news you may have missed in other places
$250 million
That’s how much New York’s Tunnels to Towers Foundation has donated to families of fallen first responders since its inception. Last month, a Philly family became the recipient of a great gift. Tunnels to Towers paid off the mortgage on the home of slain Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, who died earlier this year and left behind his wife and three children.
The foundation was created in 2015 and pays off mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty who leave behind young children. Its goal is to ensure stability and security to families facing sudden, tragic loss. O’Connor, a 23-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, was shot and killed in the line of duty while serving a homicide warrant in March.