12 Inch Vinyl Appraisal

Bobbie Gentry - Ode to Billie Joe 12-inch Stereo Vinyl Record

This is a 12-inch vinyl LP album titled 'Ode to Billie Joe' by American singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry, originally released in 1967. The album cover features a portrait of Gentry sitting in a wooded area with an acoustic guitar. The cover art displays the 'Capitol Records' logo in the upper right quadrant, with the artist's name and album title printed vertically in a bold white and orange serif font. The term 'STEREO' is printed vertically along the right edge, indicating this is the stereophonic pressing. Physically, the cover is made of standard cardboard stock. Regarding condition, there is visible 'ring wear' and light scuffing on the front surface, which is common for vintage records of this age. Some minor edge wear and corner blunting are visible, particularly along the top edge. The paper has a slight yellowish patina, consistent with 1960s production. No significant tears or water damage are immediately apparent. The craftsmanship of the cover design reflects the mid-century modern aesthetic of 1960s country and folk-pop music industry standards. As a primary release from 1967, this item represents a significant moment in Southern Gothic musical history, featuring the eponymous hit single that topped the Billboard charts.