"Ode to Billie Joe" is a song written by Bobbie Gentry and released in 1967. The song tells the story of a young woman reflecting on the mysterious suicide of a man named Billie Joe McAllister, who jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge. The narrative unfolds through the woman's conversations with her family, revealing the impact of the tragedy on their lives and the community. The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics explore themes of loss, social change, and the complexities of human relationships. It became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning Grammy Awards, solidifying its place in American music history.