The Strange Connection Between a Pop Legend and a Tiny Iowa Town

Every once in a while, you run across something that makes you stop and say "Wait, what?" This is especially true when it involves two of the most random things ever: A 1970s Pop Superstar and a small town in Eastern Iowa.

The small town of Gilbertville isn't even known to many Iowans. Unless you live in the Cedar Valley, you might not think about it all that much. Gilbertville has a lot of history worth remembering and is also home to beautiful nature trails, legendary businesses like the Gilbertville Meat Locker and affordable living. But it also shares its name with an album from a superstar of the 1970s.

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Just who is the "Superstar" in question? Take a look at the video below.

Sound familiar? Been awhile since you've heard that tune? Same here.

Gilbert O'Sullivan was a pop superstar back in the 1970s, thanks to songs like "Alone Again, Naturally". Since then, he's sold millions of albums worldwide and developed a faithful fanbase.

In fact, he's still making music to this day, with his most recent album, 2024's "Songbook". But one of his albums in particular shares its name with an Eastern Iowa town. And when you read the title it'll all start to make sense.

"GILBERTVILLE"

That's right, O'Sullivan named his 2011 album "Gilbertville", a nod to himself, obviously, but also an indirect reference to the Iowa town.

Based on my hard nosed research (a few internet searches) O'Sullivan has never even visited Iowa and likely has no idea the town even exists. But that hasn't stopped fans from making the connection themselves.

How could O'Sullivan make the most of this bizarre connection? Well, obviously, play a show in Gilbertville, Iowa of course! And if he does, he surely won't be alone again, naturally.