On 28th April 1969, Noel Harrison and Bobbie hosted an hour-long special on America’s NBC network called The Spring Thing, guests included Shirley Bassey, Rod McKuen and Goldie Hawn, and the Musical Director was Lee Hazelwood. The programme was sponsored by textile company Celanese, who made a wrinkle-resistant fabric called Arnel. As promotion for the show, and their product, Celanese issued an album to radio stations of music lifted directly from the broadcast. The highlights of this very rare record are a solo acoustic version of Sunday Best and several duets Bobbie performs with Noel including Santa Monica Pier, light My Fire and Peaceful; they are also joined on a version of Those Were The Days by Shirley Bassey. 

Speaking about the television show in 1969, Noel Harrison said: “Everyone in Spring Thing is young, talented, energetic and is blossoming career-wise. My co-host, Bobbie Gentry, has a lovely voice and a great mind and plays guitar beautifully.” Unusually, the show was also licensed by the BBC and shown in April, 1970. As no film footage of the show is believed to survive, this rare promotional record is all that remains. Photos from the programme can be seen in the gallery.