How Bobbie Gentry, the multi-talented artist behind enigmatic 1967 smash "Ode to Billie Joe," set a trailblazing example of feminism in pop.

Read More: Where in the World Is Bobbie Gentry? Memphis, Maybe But amidst all that lore of her disappearance from stardom, Gentry's music itself often gets lost in the shuffle.

Each Sunday, Pitchfork takes an in-depth look at a significant album from the past, and any record not in our archives is eligible. Today we revisit Bobbie Gentry’s 1968 album, a daring ...

And Bobbie Gentry had cleverly matched that tune to blues chords played in mixed-up order. It was easy to find the funk in it or just to paint some on. Even pianist Oscar Peterson gave it a whirl.

Bobbie Gentry carved out a career as one of the most successful country and crossover female artists of her era, but then, she simply vanished without a trace. Born Roberta Lee Streeter on July 27 ...