There are many who consider “Black Betty” as the ultimate American “provincialism” and they may not be wrong!
The timeless and unique hit of Ram Jam, a short-lived band from New York, is not theirs !!!!
Although the song is often credited to the folk/blues singer, Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, it is an 18th-century raid.
Or so some sources claim! One more known is the one of James Iron Head Baker recorded in 1933.
However, it should be noted that thanks to this song, other compositions of Lead Belly were also saved.
One of the sources states that the song was used by the workers during their work.
The lyrics move in classic Folk / Blues motifs, talking about a black and “tough” woman from Alabama.
Some of the lyrics have been changed by Ram Jam, as some human rights groups considered it offensive for African-American women.
They also gave more beats to the track and the guitars a more aggressive tempo to the song.
In this way, it became the ideal song for any sports meeting!