The EXTENSIVE 200 Year Journey of This 1977 Hard Rock Classic | Professor of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 พ.ค. 2021
- Up next, is the story of how a band from Cincinnati name Ram Jam changed an African American labor chant, with a debated origin, into a rip-roaring guitar track that became an international smash and is now a standard of 70s classic rock, having been covered many times since. The stunning transformation & history of “Black Betty” NEXT on Professor of Rock.
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#70s #RocknRoll #Story
Up next, is the story of how a band from Cincinnati name Ram Jam changed an African American labor chant, with a debated origin, into a rip-roaring guitar track that became an international smash and is now a standard of 70s classic rock, having been covered many times since. The stunning transformation & history of “Black Betty” NEXT on Professor of Rock.
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 70s vinyl songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community.
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The origin and meaning of the term “Black Betty” has been contested for well over a century. Research finds that one of the earliest accounts of the expression “Black Betty” goes all the way back to the ’Newton of Electricity’- Benjamin Franklin.
Yes, one of the first rock star personalities, and founding fathers of the United States, allegedly used the name “Black Betty” in 1736 while referring to liquor. “Black Betty” was also synonymous with a bottle of whiskey as early as 17th century London, and the British coined “Black Betty” as the nickname for a specific old-timey musket with black paint.
The Library of Congress has transcribed notes that ‘Black Betty’ was a ‘tree cutting song’ in the 1700s.
Add to the master list that “Black Betty” was a euphemism in the backcountry of Eastern America, a term for a sultry woman, a wagon transferring convicts, and the nickname for a dreaded whip that was brutally administered in southern prisons.
The provenance of the song “Black Betty” is just as debated and interesting as the origination of the expression.
Many historians claim that “Black Betty” became a marching cadence that was chanted, or sang, by African American slaves in the 18th century.
By the 20th century, there was no doubt that “Black Betty” had become a labor chant with some convicts in prison yards & chain gangs in the south.
The “Black Betty” chant evolved into a song that was first recorded in 1933- performed by blues musician James Baker, who was better known in those days as ‘Iron Head’ Baker. The song was first recorded in the field by U.S. musicologists John and Alan Lomax - บันเทิง
Professor Adam, you're one of a kind! I was born in '66. Thanks SO MUCH for the daily walks down memory lane. I've early onset alzheimers, and your videos open up snapshots of my life that I've long forgotten.
"Three chords and the truth, my friend."
Sincerely,
Scott
You're very welcome! I'm so sorry to hear that. We will continue to create videos of the soundtrack of your life. Music is the medicine...Peace to you my friend.
rock on man! remember, OLD HIPPIES RULE!
Music is medicine for the brain. Will pray for you, Scott.
@@rayross997 I will say a prayer for you too, Scott! Peace!
Scott, your message here is a true highlight in an internet full of fakes and trolls, it's very heartfelt. Take good care of yourself, I hope you get the best care there is and have many more good years! ♥️
Black Betty and Radar Love are the two most dangerous songs for drivers. So many speeding tickets....
I was just thinking about making such a comment about those two as driving songs and being potentially very expensive for the wallet when I stumbled across your comment.
Don't forget Sammy Hagar-" I Can't Drive 55".
Highway Star ✨ Deep Purple
and red barchetta with all that shifting and drifting mechanical music is guaranteed to get you a ticket when played loud
Don't forget "Ballroom Blitz"
I made a music Playlist for my daughter when she was little that I would play when she was in her hanging bouncy seat. Ram Jam's Black Betty was the song that really got her moving. She still gets excited when she hears it at 17. And she's literally been jamming to this song for nearly her whole life.
wow,i will try this song to my granddaughter who is 11mos old now,cant wait to see her..
17, 1986, The Black Horse, legendary biker pub southern UK, sun shining, bikes lined up, Newkie Brown and someone plays BB on the jukebox. The happy vibe just got even happier!! 😁
A perfect 70"s setting. Old farm house, clothes without style and backyard party. Midwest at it's best in the 70's
Everything in the 70s had style. 70s style.
Absolutely!
I wish I could find a time machine and cruse back to those sweet long lost days of my youth!
It's so American.
It's the front yard, but still so awesome!
@@MerryLeafField No, take another look. Backyard! Who has access to the basement in the front of a house? No front verandah!
I always think about right after this song came out. I was sitting at the kitchen table doing my homework when Black Betty started and naturally I had to crank up the radio. What really sticks in my mind is mama walking in and saying “How about turning that down bam ba lam.” And I did right after the song ended. 😁
Guess that’s my main memory for the song.
What a cool Mum.
My 3 year old Grandson is mesmerized by this tune. As soon as it comes on the TV, he can't focus on anything but this song and dances till it's over. It is so fun to watch him rock out to this classic.
It will stand the test of time..... Ram jams version is brilliant it can't be matched
LOL - my mother's name is Betty, & I used to sing it to her to aggravate her. I was born, raised, & still live in Alabama, graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, so I LOVE this song.
Back in 77, my family bought a house and I found a 45 of Ram Jam's Black Betty in a closet. I ended up playing it to death.
What a great discovery. I remember finding a Pink Floyd 8 track in the field behind my house and it still played!
That was a great house warming gift
@@ProfessorofRock Young people today would say what's an 8 track. My first stereo had an 8 track player and turntable. It was an old Lloyds
@@markpotemra I remember one of my mum's cars having an 8 track in it. I think that the car originally belonged to my grandfather.
@@ProfessorofRock Ah, the classic 8 track! I remember them fondly, but I'm really glad they fell out of style. Vinyl is always great and cassettes are alright. But with all the different forms to get music on, 8 tracks are rather crappy. I seem to remember listening to the Bay City Rollers 'Saturday Night' on 8 track. Ah, the good old days! I can say that with complete honesty because I was born in September of 1967. Not the greatest year, but close enough to hear all the best rock and roll! So sad that my Boomer parents never appreciated Led Zeppelin and other classic rockers like I did. My mom only ever listened to Stairway to Heaven. I told her that Zeppelin did a lot more than that. Try using the beginning of Immigrant Song as a wake up alarm! Even more alarming than hearing Robin Williams shouting 'Good morning, Vietnam!' in your ear because your cell phone alarm went off next to your pillow!
😳😂
One of the Lemon Pipers was a neighbor of mine. Had VH1 on the TV playing their video and I could see him outside in the distance mowing. Just one of those moments.
Cool.
I remember playing the guitar opening of Black Betty on a Kazoo... I was about 11 in 77.... Its bloody strange what we remember :)
Fun fact: The band in the Ram Jam video is actually Starstruck, not Ram Jam. It was filmed on Long Island on a Sunday Morning at the base player's mom's house for a "British Client" according to Bill Bartlett. He said he never saw the video until years later, when at the Dentist in Ohio, they were playing it on a TV in the office. Bartlett claimed that his added lines to the song were inspired by the 50's pinup girl, Betty Page, not a black woman.
Best and most thorough deep dive I've ever heard of a fantastic rendition of a fantastic song. It's not often that anyone can totally own a song that's been recorded by the great Lead Belly, but Bill Bartlett took that song and did it so well that he forever owns it. He also gets no credit for the absolutely soaring, smokin' guitar solo which is a damned shame. The guitar, the drums, the bass line, everything about this version is absolute rock perfection. I listen to it pretty much every morning in the shower, really wakes me up the right way.
I'm a US Army vet1980-'88, maybe that's why I love this so much. Misery loves company!
The radio play version less than 3 minutes leaves you feeling like you’ve been on the wildest rollercoaster ride of your life. It never stops and your mouth drops open as you ride the rhythm and lyrics.
Here on TH-cam is a guy who did a recent telephone interview with Bill Bartlett, the lead singer of the popular tune. According to Bill Bartlett, HIS version is about Bettie Page, the '50's pin-up model. Of course, she was white, but she was always in black garters, etc. You should check out that interview. Bill seems like a pretty cool guy.
@chi sam He did state that he never lived in Alabama. He had no reason to lie. Clearly, you're an incompetent man with no common sense.
@chi sam Perhaps you should look at the interview before lookin like a damn fool.
@chi sam It doesn't matter that Page never lived in Alabama. That's who Bill Bartlett was referring to in his version of the song, moron.
I read that interview and it was great. Bartlett did say he grew up in Dayton. I had no idea. Back then most of us thought he was from Manchester, England and when he penned a song titled, "A Bit of All Right" that sealed it for us.
I love all the young kids on these reaction videos listening to the song I remember when it was released
True grace in a musician: go outside your comfort zone and make a beautiful cover true to both your style and the original!
That song stands up, lights a smoke, and struts around the room!
The thought that keeps coming to me whenever I hear this song is "practice much?!?" Holy cow, this band was tight, tight, tight! And I love the fact that the Lemon Pipers' psych-pop axeman was the one making Black Betty's big riff -- that reminds me of how the Strawberry Alarm Clock's psychedelic fuzz master Ed King went on to fame and fortune playing a totally different type of music with Lynrd Synrd. Moral: It pays to be flexible!
Who knew Ned Flanders could rock out like that? DOH! 🤘🤓🎸🤘
That's what I thought! He looks just like him!
Stupid, rocking Flanders
LMAO🤣👍
LMAO! 🤣😂🤣😂
🤣🧠
My 5 year old son was singing this song this morning! We played it on our way to school. Bad a$$ jam. This little kid has always had a good ear for some throwback music. He’s a really cool kid!
The Lemon Pipers were and still are very underrated
As an Australian...Black Betty by Ram Jam fit in perfectly with the rise of "pub rock" here along side such luminaries of the art as Bon Scott and ACDC
Very true! Thanks for watching!
@Sub if you are against Antifa and BLM The common theme with both bands was that their front men used to get the ladies into a frenzy.
@Hermes Trismagistus and Spiderbait i think.
@Sub if you are against Antifa and BLM have you given Cold Chisel a try?
@@markfryer9880 make em froth. Hehe.
I had the pleasure of playing some gigs with Bill Bartlett in the 90's (as his drummer). Super nice and humble guy. Thanks for sharing this great story!
Rock on!
HIS drummer ? : )
@@jakeella keeping it simple :-) Any interested parties should know a couple of those gigs were with Live Bait (with Bill on bass), the infamous Oxford, Ohio jam band.
Drummers like to hangout with musicians......so I’ve heard.....
@@pjkentucky 😂
One of the best examples of shaking in your boots, ROCK!!!
I heard it when it came out on the radio in the 70’s ! Just one of those songs that makes you wanna shake your head and get your groove on! It’s a feel good song, plain and simple
Discovered this by RamJam about 10 years ago when I was stacking music on my iPods. I was in my 60's at the time. Hadn't heard it before and this is the first I learned of its history. Any way, I'm 75 now and still like it!
Welcome to the party.
Whaaat? You’re 60 and you never heard of this diddy? It was a very rocking tune and was played all over the radio.
@@tamuman93 I'm sure it was. I was in the Navy in the mid 1960's and every time we went to sea we missed months of music and groups even. For many years it was very normal for me to hear about music I "missed". It is less common now but still happens from time to time. Like I said I was in my 60's at that time I discovered this. Not uncommon then. I'm 77 now.
@@webbtrekker534 - That makes perfect sense brother. By the way, Thanks for your service.
@Karl with a K Well, the "short" version is I have been a "Public Radio" listener for over 40 years. I hate commercials and commercial radio phony "hype". Most of the stations play music that the commercial stations won't or wouldn't. I discovered Noncommercial radio in the late 60's after I got out of the Navy. At sea we'd go months out of radio broadcast range, (besides I was on a submarine and submerged you heard nothing, I went years with out hearing much music that came and went while we were submerged.) I gave up on TV over 6 years ago. Most isn't worth watching and what is is hard to find that is why I watch "programs" on-line. I run 6 different ad blockers on my computer. I NEVER see an Ad or Commercials just what I want to watch.😃
My 4 year old will randomly belt this one out. It's simply amazing.
1977... I was 16-17. My first car, first joint, first beer, and the first time a girl 'didn't say no!'
I was a teen in a time when war was a thing of the past, everyone was getting high, getting laid and rocking at all the parties!
I remember "Black Betty," on the radio and in the jukebox at the pizza shop.
But I never knew where the song originated.
And it was a blues song! Blues, another of my favorite genres.
"You go Leadbelly!!"
Saw Ram Jam in between Mother's Finest and Styx (during their tour for "Grand Illusion") on a three act bill at my local auditorium in a small 'Burg in S.C. It all rocked, but the singular bit I remember most was Ram Jam just _killin' it_ with Black Betty. The other very memorable thing was all the kids hoppin' outta their seats to dance in the aisles to Mother's Finest's set. When the security guys asked (and they _asked,_ they weren't jerks about it) them to sit down, the kids politely ignored them, at which point they left the kids alone and let 'em dance! Great memories, I really miss those days.
Hi I was born in 1952 it was a time when music was slowly coming about. The 60's-70-'s was an awesome time when we were trying to find ourselves. Black Betty was a go way of getting myself ready and geared up. Hearing this first thing in the morning would really get me going. Actually, it got me really pumped up for work.
Loved it. Next on the list should be “Mississippi Queen” by Mountain
Great song!
Haha l literally had a home made cassette in the 80's with Black Betty, Mississippi Queen, and Blinded by the light (Manfred Mann) one after the other. I ran that tape into the ground. What a flash back.
No, Nantucket sleighride!!
OR: Gotta Keep a Runnin by The Godz... 👍
Mountain wasn't really a one-hit wonder tho
Sometime in 1980, I think, I was sitting in the backseat of a SAAB 94, tagging along with a couple of older kids to visit a friend. It was a six-hour trip, we were listening to mixtapes. Mostly music that I didn't care about.
Then, a driving beat, a burst of guitar playing, some kind of gong sound... it was the radio version of Black Betty. I sat upright and asked what it was, but none of them knew. We all agreed that it was good. The song ended and other songs followed.
We stopped to eat, and when we came back I asked if they could play "that song" again. They found the tape and played it for me. We finished the trip, spent two nights and three days, and when I got home the song was still beating in me.
I have no idea how I learned the song's name* or the name Ram Jam, but months later I was browsing LPs in my favourite shop: the 'R' tag had been added to my list of tags to check. And there it was. The LP of the record of the band of the Song.
*) Ok, the title turned to be what you would guess. But still.
Black Betty by ram jam has always been one of my favorite songs. I was a sophomore in college when it came out. About 10 years ago I was on a cruise and there was a Filipino band that could play anything from Pink Floyd to Michael Jackson, and they were playing Ram Jam. Afterwards, I went up and told the band how much I enjoyed their rendition of black Betty. The next day I was going through the atrium and they were playing another song and I stopped to listen. After that first song I heard, they looked at each other, looked at me and went immediately into black Betty. Wow! That was awesome!
I'm an old fart, never heard this song back in the day in '77. Then again, back then, I was still listening to WNBC, a strictly top 40 station - I had not journeyed to the dark side of album oriented rock just yet (WNEW). Even so, I absolutely recall the very first time I ever heard this song. It was while in the movie theater watching Blow, a forgettable Johnny Depp vehicle, except for the fact that Penelope Cruz was absolutely unforgettable in that movie.
Black Betty came on. "W. T. F. Is. This???" Holy crap, I was blown away. I had to hear that song again. I waited to the end credits to be sure I found the info on the song. It's been an absolute favorite of mine ever since.
I grew up listening to Lead Belly's version starting around age 6 and I heard this one when I was almost 10. Lead Belly had been in and out of prison in early 1900s, including on a "Chain Gang".
Leadbelly is a true legend. So much influence on what we hear now.
Same here. I grew up listening to Leadbelly in the 50s and 60s. Particularly his popular songs like "Irene Goodnight", "Bring Me Little Water Sylvie" and "Rock Island Line".
I loved his version of "Black Betty " and did not take kindly to the Ram Jam version !
I remember back in the late 80s,i bought my first pickup truck. After getting a battery and damn near blowing up the carburetor, it finally cranked over. I drove it home and to my surprise there was a cassette tape in the tape deck. So i decided to crank it up and low and behold the amazing sound of Ram Jam's Black Betty blasted and then and there my mind was blown!! I still see myself and my dad just jamming out on the drive home. That was along ass time ago but i remember it like it was yesterday!!
This is one of those songs that elicits an irresistible Pavlovian response... The song comes on and you just can't help but reach over and crank it up!
If you ever bought a used car, and you were ecstatic to find a cool cassette tape in the glove box, or maybe even left in the stereo cassette deck, then you're really gonna love this channel.
@snipe69 oh, man! I wish! Cassette tape players are readily available! Buy one pronto!
Ha! Word... Reminds me of being a young English teacher in rural Japan in the late ´90s when I was given an old "company car" to drive to classes for 6 months. It had a cassette player, but there was a tape stuck in it though it still played... Paul Simon's "Graceland" on Side A and his greatest hits on Side B. Though Simon is not a personal favorite, I was grateful for the musical layers and solid songwriting of "Graceland" .... Sadly, I have no desire to ever hear it again. ; )
@snipe69 Radio Shack is offering some cool retro styled boom boxes through their online store for around $50 US. Check them out. I just ordered one and will pre-order my cassette of Metallica's Black Album for the 30th anniversary as well.
@@amanuesis see my above commemt
Bought a car iit had 8 track in it had ac/dc back in black in it
To put oil on the waters, Bill Bartlett said that the song was about Betty Page and her black leather costume (and her black whip)
That band Ram Jam was tight as bark on ah tree. A great historical treasure.
I once read a list of something like 15 different things 'black betty' was slang for in the 18 and 17 hundreds. The song could have been referencing any of them or none of them. That's part of what makes this so interesting.
5:46 I love when you recall stories about your dad. My dad was also a big music nerd and passed away two years ago this month. He was also a drummer in a sixties garage rock band who played songs by seattle band, The Sonics
"Green Tambourine" is still one of my favorite songs. Always thought going from pop to this was cool.
I didn’t know these guys were from Cincinnati. I’m proud to say I am too. 👍
So fun, cruising in a '77 Trans Am with this song blasting. Friend took her dad's screaming chicken back in the day and we cruised Gratiot (Eastside of Detroit area) and local rock station had this song on rotation.
WABX, WLLZ & WRIF back in the day! I still live at 9 1/2 (Stephens) & Gratiot Ave.
@@markmarshall7939 I still have a WABX tshirt. 😄
WRIFor wheelz?
@@debraengdahl1980 I have to say, I favored WABX, I didn't necessarily like Athur Penhollow on RIF. Didn't hate him, he just kinda gave me the creeps. Lol.
_'Black Betty'_ by Ram Jam was an instant classic rocker. Never knew it was created by Bartlett with Starstruck (or even heard of Starstruck) until this video. Never really noticed the gong at the beginning and end of the song. Didn't realize Bartlett was the voice and guitar behind Lemon Pipers either. Decades later, both _'Black Betty'_ and the psychedelic _'Green Tambourine'_ still remain among my favorite songs. Thanks for the knowledge, Professor, which enhances the music even more, while gaining the appreciation for Bill Bartlett he richly deserves.
The Boston Bruins use Black Betty often to pump up the fans. Love this song!
I used to play this song in a bad called Druulu. LOVED IT, as did the audience!
This song still KICKS ASS!!! The best rendition has to be in the movie "Blow"! Johnny Depp, white turtleneck & shades, walking thru the airport, Black Betty playing! Yeah, Baby!!! Thank you for another great memory Professor! Love you, Love your show as I'm a DIE HARD music lover!!! ❤❤❤ ✌️🤘
This is one of the few jams that will always pump me up and get my adrenaline in overdrive. I'd like to thank my father for introducing me to this classic jam. I love the history and story behind this song. Maybe it's one of the reasons it withstands the test of time because it is truly timeless.
I think you nailed it.
I am so grateful to this channel for giving the history behind the song. I just remember my father singing the classic rock version by Ram Jam to me when I was a kid. One of my earliest memories of hearing classic rock music. Thanks Dad!
First became aware of “Black Betty” when watching movie “Blow”. Awesome song, awesome vibe😍
First band I ever saw in concert. They opened for Wild Cherry...true story, lol
Oh good grief. I'm nearly 60 years old and I just found out that the "dream tambourine" was a "green tambourine". Love the channel. Thanks Prof
I know how you feel.... I thought Fire Lake was Tiger Lake. I loved it! Tiger Lake in Mason County, Wasington State is where I grew up. Finding out I was wrong didn't chsnge anything for me....I still sing Tiger Lake😁
I was 40-something when I learned that it *wasnt* “You and me and Leslie” groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon.
My wife thought VanHalen's Panama lyric was "Had Enough", I asked her "what's the name of the song?" POR should do a segment of misheard lyrics just to straighten out all these people. Good thing there are all these lyric sites now. Settles many arguments.
It is odd what can stick in our head. The Song "Peace Train" by Cat Stevens, I have only ever heard the words "Beast Train"...it sort of freaks me out, always has! It seems to be Truth!
@@manstersr I thought my hubs was singing with the Beatles about "Desmond and MOLLY," which is our daughter's name. I thought he was being funny and putting her name in the song. Turns out, no, to my dumb millennial self, Marley is a totally normal name for a girl in the 1960s.
It's a nice, catchy tune of the '70s, never noticed the controversy, unlike those associated with the songs My Ding-a-Ling, Short People, Love to Love You Baby, She's Having My Baby, Miss You, etc. Compared to those songs, Black Betty was a tempest in a teapot. There's a difference when you live it or read about it.
First time I heard this song I was in fourth grade in 77.. Was at a friend's house, he had and older sister and my buddy goes listen to this... It was Ram Jam.. I was blown away must have played that 45 a few dozen times.. Hooked on hard rock from that day on...
Loved it, I’m 70 and just got a educated lesson
One of my favorites. Never fails to get me pumped and happy.
Professor, I absolutely love your channel. Your extensive research and desire to learn all aspects of any given song is truly a gift that you share with the world. Thank you for that.
We used to hang out at the Roundtable bar in Clifton (Cincinnati) and yell for Starstruck to play "Black Betty". Used to think Bill Bartlett was the best rock guitarist in Cincinnati.
Just watched a vid by TH-camr "Brutality in Buddah" who called and spoke to the singer and writer of the tune. Couple of cool facts: 1. He is singing about Betty Paige the pinup star. 2. The video was shot at the bass player's grandma's house, and does not feature the people that actually recorded the track (Starstruck). 3. The video was shot at the whim of a customer from the UK, and they never even saw the finished product until years later when it was on MTV.
Love this song, and boy does it bring back memories. Great vid!
I saw Ram Jam when they opened for Styx in '78. The entire audience just sat there during their set because except for Black Betty nobody knew any of their songs. But when they cranked up Black Betty the place went nuts. They were really tight. Its a shame they didn't have more success.
I love how you mix stories of your dad into the music history to add the personal touch that makes everything more interesting!
I was 12 years old play flash games on our living room computer. Raised conservative Christian, my music knowledge began at hymes and ended at Casting Crowns. There was this asinine knockoff Spiderman game, something like flappy bird but with poorly animated goo shooting out your hands. This song was the only soundtrack and, as I remember, it started over if you failed. I remember being hypnotized, wondering if the song had an ending. Then I got good enough to get to the end and I grinded the shit out of that game and jammed out. Thank you for the history!
Man I bought the french 45rpm in 1977! It was so great (of course, I was 15!)
I was in college when Ram Jam sang this song. I love the purity of their version that is timeless.
I miss real bands. No fuss. Just great musicians playing in the yard. Imagine that.
Im an aussie and i reckon the Spiderbait version is fantastic! I can remember dancing to the original at school dicoes back in the 70’s💃🏻🕺
Fabulous song still…:))
"Music/shows" suck today..you know what I'm saying..
i love when Kansas comes on, always kick ass music
What do you mean "no fuzz"?
Look, solist have a fuzz
Here in Seattle our new bands still rock, hard. With 2 music collages and 50 music venues we're rolling in cool shows and great local bands...no none with enough celebrity status to hypnotize the ignorant hordes of brainless half hearted lemmings. But good music by great musicians. Because that's all that matters right. Not the trappings of fame and celebrity worship right?
my favorite is the expression of emotions by the band. But ESPECIALLY by the ladys in the background on and by the bike. they are the real queens of that clip. love em.
Sitting here learning about Black Betty, watching with my Zenni glasses, and having a ball! Love PoR and the passion about the music of my generation.
What a great time! Thanks for hanging out
Looking forward to this episode. Love this song.
It's a great one!
I haven't been to a Boston Bruins hockey game in a while, but I know they used it a lot for them, got the crowd pumped. Still love this song, and glad I FINALLY know the history behind it... Great video as always!!
A classic that hooked me from the beginning and still does today. Keep 'em coming!!!
I love your channel Adam. I love music history, and this channel always reveals stories I have never heard. Keep up the great videos.
Was about to go to bed (in Singapore), but then I saw that the Professor put this out - a song I've always been curious about!
Wow! Singapore? Very cool! Thank you for your support!
Ditto storyline, just 4 months later 😉
I have always loved this song! Seen this video of Ram Jam countless times. Them throwing down in the backyard, looking like they are just having a cookout and a jam session breaks out!! What fun!! Can only imagine how fun it would of been to be there during this session! Backyard fun at its finest. Enjoyed the video Professor!
❤️💜💚
Definitely during the 70s. Look at the fashions. I grew up during the 70s.
Thanks, Adam for these great videos. You do a lot of research into these and it's much appreciated. I remember this song from my childhood as I grew up in the seventies. Still sounds timeless as all good music never really fades or sounds dated. Nice work .All the best to you
Such a jewel this video! Thanks for researching and telling the many stories of rock music !
Professor, I can't believe how many songs you pull out of the hat that I don't know... And I grew up in that era for this one!
not even a particularly large hat either. amazing
I’ve always been curious of the story of the Ram Jam and Black Betty! Thank you for this video!
I love your content. The way you describe your feelings when you first heard each song is spot on my thoughts exactly!
Great song, and thanks for the history of this song!
Black Betty is a banger! You still see kids wildin' out to this one, gotta turn it up on a road trip!
Alfred Lagarde was a Dutch D.J. who played this song on the Dutch radio called Hilversum 3 the show was called boton uur ( concrete hour ) It was the first time I did hear the song and I still like it.
Thank you Professor Adam. I so much appreciate your research and preparation. So enjoyable. You were born to do this!
I love these backstories. Thanks man
I had no damn idea of the history of this song, amazing.
I love watching young people react to this song on TH-cam, their reactions are epic because the song is epic. Love that you broke down the history of this as there is a ton of mis-info being posted to this types of vids.
I'm glad I'm not the only one with this guilty pleasure. Watching Millenials hear, and especially see, Janice Joplin, SRV, The Animals, and similar artists for the first time is so entertaining! The moment when their eyes go wide....
Video is amazing. Totally agree with you about wishing it was longer
I just discovered your channel recently and love how you’re reintroducing me to the music I grew up with. I was born in 59 so your channel is a real treat 😊😊😊
Great information today! I don't know anyone who does not like this Southern Boogie Blues classic!
I remember back in the day the DJ played it three times in a row because he was getting fed up with people requesting it (dam I'm getting old)
Aren't we all. Down here in New Orleans a D.j. did that too. I was 17 I really miss those days. Old enough to know better but to young to care!
Love your work and learning what is behind many great tunes.
I just love that song. Thanks for the memories
I think you're about the only one to hit all points and get it right. nice one.
An amazing song.
The singer took a lot of heat for this song his entire life, even today people are trying to "cancel" this song.
A person is smart. People are stupid....
Don't you find it interesting thought that the same people who coined this term of "cancel culture" want to deny the teaching of actual history in school and want to stop the investigation of a coup/riot staged on the US Capitol Building that left a police officer dead. I don't think anyone should "cancel" this song but I do think that there is a point about its lyrics not exactly paying homage to the original done by Leadbelly.
@@wpl8275 The police officer's death was unrelated to that incident.
@@wpl8275 The only person that died was an unarmed Trump supporter that was murdered by a DC cop.
@@wpl8275
Whut?? Did you want the performers to stop in the middle of their jam and make an announcement about Lead Belly's role in a song that had different lyrics for crying out loud? The fact is that the new lyrics tell a sensational story of a man who can't get enough of black Betty. Lead Belly's rendition was so-so.
Im so happy I found this channel!! You are so interesting and the subject matter is great!! Thanks! As for the version of Black Betty by Ram Jam, epic!!!😀
Thanks for doing this, Professor! I've always wondered about this song. Now I know.