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The phenomenally talented Bobbie Gentry wrote dozens of impeccably crafted songs. She’s a nifty guitar player as well, and even produced one of her own albums – most unusual for her era. And then there’s that voice ... raw and husky but always perfectly controlled, with an incredibly elastic range.

Born in 1944 in rural Mississippi, and raised mostly by her grandparents in a house with no electricity or indoor plumbing, Gentry set off for Las Vegas after graduating from secondary school and found work dancing in a casino revue. In the mid-60s she moved to California, where she studied philosophy at UCLA (something this philosophy graduate was intrigued to discover), then transferred to the LA Conservatory of Music and started doing gigs at a club in Pasadena. That led to a publishing deal and then to the release of ‘Ode To Billie Joe’ as her debut single on Capitol Records in July 1967.

Yes, it’s a bit cheeky of me to have the temerity to cover this song when the original is so well-known and so perfect in every aspect. I’ve no defence to offer, other than that it’s a song I’ve always loved. If my version inspires people to revisit (or discover) Gentry’s, so much the better.

credits

from I Won​’​t Go Home ’Til Morning, released October 28, 2008
Words & Music by Bobbie Gentry
Sarah – vocals, guitar
Gerry O’Beirne – slide guitar
Trevor Hutchinson – double bass

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Sarah McQuaid Penzance, UK

“One of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music … Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” —Neil March, Trust The Doc

“Captivating, unorthodox songwriting … layered satin vocals ... enthralling, harrowing arrangements … a gateway into a true innovator’s soul.” —PopMatters

See sarahmcquaid.com/about for more info. ... more

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