What is the song Black Betty referring to?
But the most famous in modern day is Ram Jam’s rock version, which is sung with slightly modified lyrics. While some may think “Black Betty” refers to a woman, others claim it’s a nickname for any number of objects, including a bottle of whiskey, a whip, or even a penitentiary transfer wagon.
Is the song Black Betty offensive?
It wasn’t written to be racist or rude, but as a form of creative expression that the African American community really enjoyed. Other cultures obviously heard and loved the song as well, and decided to adopt it into their own creations, which isn’t inherently racist, but it could be questionable.
Is the song Black Betty about a black woman?
Ram Jam were a short-lived band from New York City, and this was their only hit. While the lyrical content is pretty standard folk/blues material – about a black woman from Alabama who has a “wild” child, Ram Jam took some heat because some civil rights groups felt the lyrics were disrespectful to black women.
Who originally wrote the song Black Betty?
Lead BellyBlack Betty / LyricistHuddie William Ledbetter, better known by the stage name Lead Belly, was an American folk and blues singer, musician, and songwriter notable for his strong vocals, virtuosity on the twelve-string guitar, Wikipedia
Who did the remake of Black Betty?
A remake of “Black Betty” by RAM JAM, it features McDaniels, Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW) on vocals, Mick Mars (MÖTLEY CRÜE) on guitar, Duff McKagan (GUNS N’ ROSES) on bass and Travis Barker (BLINK-182) on drums.
What is the meaning behind Ram Jam Black Betty?
So, what does “Black Betty” mean or refer to in the popular Ram Jam song, that was also sung by Leadbelly? Clearly it’s about a sexy black American woman. Black Betty has been used to refer to other things, but in the context of the two recorded pieces of music that most people have heard, Black Betty is a woman.
Who sings Oh Black Betty?
Ram JamBlack Betty / Artist
How many versions of Black Betty are there?
In the single there are two versions of the song, one “edited” and one “extended”.
Is there a remake of Black Betty?
What happened to Bill Bartlett of Ram Jam?
Bill Bartlett still plays guitar, but in the early 1990s transformed himself into a boogie-woogie piano player. He also plays banjo, harmonica, and has written dozens of songs. Santoro still plays professionally in various bands in New York, and teaches music at an elementary school on Long Island.
Who sings Black Velvet?
Alannah MylesBlack Velvet / Artist
Who else did Black Betty?
Versions
| Title | Performer | Release date |
|---|---|---|
| Black Betty | James “Iron Head” Baker and Group | 2000 |
| Looky, Looky, Yonder – Black Betty – Ya… | Lead Belly | 1939 |
| Black Betty | Alan Lomax | 1958 |
| Black Betty | John Koerner, Dave Ray and Tony Glover | 1964 |