33 1/3 Series: Tara Murtha "Bobbie Gentry's Ode to Billie Joe" Book (2014)

Details: Tara Murtha's reflection on Bobbie Gentry and her beloved album, "Ode To Billie Joe," published as a part of the 33 1/3 series of books for Bloomsbury. Released December 18, 2014. Small format, paperback, 160 pages. Includes a foreward by musician, Jill Sobule. Short Description: Through extensive interviews and unprecedented access to career memorabilia, Murtha explores the real-life mysteries ensnarled within the much-disputed origin of Ode to Billie Joe.  Grade: M (new stock) Full Description: July, 1967: It seems the entire country stopped to listen to a husky voice steeped in the simmering secrets of the South tell a tragic tale of teenage suicide. So much for the Summer of Love. Ode to Billie Joe knocked the Beatles' All You Need is Love off the top of the charts, and Bobbie Gentry became an international star. Almost 50 years later, Gentry is as enigmatic and captivating as her signature song. Of course, fans still want to know why Billie Joe McAllister jumped off the T