Episode 531 - Black Betty

[JulyDiaz 2797]

Ify Nwadiwe & Andrew answer Engineer Cody’s question this time around as they discuss Ram Jam’s “Black Betty.” Be sure to keep leaving us messages at (323) 389-RACE.

[DirkBender 31]

I first heard of this tune through the 1977 recording from Ram Jam, more or less contemporaneously, and remember thinking "what an assholish, racist thing for a white band to be playing."

 

And I won't bother nitpicking about Andrey & Ify's take on it. Sure, it's noxious enough if your assumption is that the tune was played out of some kind of lame white-guilt trip.

 

But the song's actual origins are quite fascinating, and in retrospect, I can see why a band--any band--might get it into their heads that it was worth covering...

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Betty

[Poika 615]

I feel like a fuddy duddy, but how the hell could you mix up Motorhead with Ram Jam!? My music nerd was freaking out.

[IfyNwadiwe 8]

The instant I was corrected, I knew I fucked up big time. I'm sorry. I'll let you listen to Black Sabbath's Ride the Lightning vinyl to make up for it!