Bobbie Gentry gets country music trail marker

[November 14, 2013]  GREENWOOD, Miss. (AP) -- Country singer Bobbie Gentry is being honored in her home state with a marker on the Mississippi Country Music Trail.

Gentry was born Roberta Lee Streeter in Chickasaw County in 1944. She is probably best known for her 1960's hit "Ode to Billie Joe." The track earned her Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1968. Her other hits include "Fancy," "Mornin' Glory" and "Mississippi Delta."

The Mississippi Country Music Trail started in 2010 with a marker in Tupelo, Miss., to recognize the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Other markers include Jimmie Rodgers, Charley Pride, Conway Twitty, Jerry Clower, Faith Hill and Tammy Wynette.

Gentry's marker is being unveiled Thursday in Greenwood, Miss.

[Associated Press]

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