Jim Stafford breaks silence on breathtaking song weaver Bobbie Gentry

Jim Stafford, former husband of “Ode to Billie Joe” song weaver Bobbie Gentry and a crossover pop artist in his own right, tentatively goes on the record in his first conversation in decades committed to the mysterious Mississippi Delta queen. Seen here is the Best New Artist of 1967 captured during filming of NBC’s Timex-sponsored “The Best on Record: The Grammy Awards Show,” a special recognizing the Grammy’s 10th anniversary broadcast on May 8, 1968. Image Credit: NBCU Photo Bank

Self-effacing “Spiders and Snakes” country rocker Jim Stafford sheds light on his rarely — if ever — discussed relationship with mysterious chanteuse Bobbie Gentry of “Ode to Billie Joe” fame, whose whereabouts continue to fascinate retro pop culture aficionados to this day.