NPR: ‘Ode To Billie Joe’ The Hit That Prompted Dozens Of Jazz Versions

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U.S. radio station NPR have broadcast an 8 minute audio story marking the 50 year anniversary of Bobbie’s Ode to Billie Joe single . The programme Fresh Air with Terry Gross takes an unusual angle and focuses on the many instrumental jazz covers of the song. Bobbie’s Southern Gothic saga might seem an unlikely choice, but jazz musicians really took to it. Fans can listen to the programme online here.

Spanish E.P. of Bobbie’s Ode To Billie Joe, and Oscar Peterson’s Motions & Emotions album which contained a jazz cover version.