6/09 Subject #1: “Black Betty” by Ram Jam
For our first song, we are choosing Ram Jam’s epic 1977 hit single, “Black Betty.” Guitarist Bill Bartlett took Leadbelly’s “Black Betty,” composed new music for it, and recorded it independently. Record producers in New York took interest, hired a band to play with Bartlett, and produced a whole record of filler to release along with “Black Betty.”
The single’s release, however, was marred by criticism over what was perceived as blatantly racist lyrics. The NAACP and the Congress of Racial Equality took particular issue with the song.
From Wikipedia: “Despite the controversy, the song reached number 18 on the singles chart in 1977 in the U.S. and Top Ten in the United Kingdom, while the Ram Jam album reached the U.S. Top 40. It was also a hit in the Netherlands, reaching number 4. Also, Ted Demme used the song in the soundtrack to his 2001 film, Blow, and it is often played between innings at Yankee Stadium.”
Racism and poor production aside, this song has clearly stood the test of time. So, for those who’d like to grow their hair long, grab their bandanas and double kick drums and rock out in front of a white house, I bring you… “Black Betty!”
SOURCE: Wikipedia
