Ode to Billie Joe - Ray Charles (live)

[916jen]

Bobby all the way I say

[InLikeInk]

Bobby Gentry's interpretation of "Ode To Billie Joe" has a Gothic feel that no one else has captured; of these Sinead O'Connor comes closest. It is that Gothic feel I think most epitomizes the themes of the song, of cruel indifference, and what Bobby Gentry terms as a disconnect between the daughter and the mother who fail to recognize their respective losses. There is a haunting quality to the lyrics that the song begs for. This jazzy version, while fun, is totally lacking in soul.

[TheSdave24]

Great version. Doesnt sound at all like Aretha or Bobbie.  He had great backup singers always. With a band like that I could sound good singing that song, not that good but maybe ok, lol. The world is full of talented singers who never become famous.

[cullanpadroclum]

...its probably just a background singer...Its neither Aretha nor Bobbie...

[Jakefake66]

@cullanpadroclum I believe you are correct. I love this version and Bobbie's.

[billyjoedopesmoker]

As much as we luv Ms. Bobbie Gentry an her singin an think she do the best version of this song, that aint her singin here. the lady singin here has a voice that is one of a kind an if yall here how she improvises perfectly 3 notes to a one syllable, yall know it aint nobody but the Queen of Soul herself, Ms. Aretha Franklin. Aint no other voice like the one she got. Katherine Battle caint even touch Ms. Franklin. sides, listen to how she speak sum words an they a bit differnt than Ms. Gentry.

[napchier]

This is NOT Aretha! Most definately Bobbie.

[PeaceLoveHazMat]

That is not Bobbie Gentry. I think its Aretha.

[GregoryMRD]

Thanks for posting. This is very striking. Is this Bobbie and Ray live together for real or a mock up?

[flashbak11]

A jazzed up version to be sure, but only with the best. Both Ray and Bobbie were on the top of their game with this rendition, although I prefer her solos better.