What is the story behind the song Black Betty?

Iron Head. Now the first known recording of this song, circa 1933, is attributed to an artist by the name of James “Iron Head” Baker. And a researcher who interviewed Iron Head stated that “Black Betty” is rather a whip which prison officials used to punish prisoners.

Who originally wrote Black Betty?

Lead Belly
Black Betty/Lyricists

Where is the ambalam?

Ambalam is a small village in Nanguneri taluk, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India. Ambalam is two-part, South Ambalam and North Ambalam. North Ambalam people’s religion is Christianity, cost nadar, more than 100 families live in North Ambalam.

Is the song Black Betty by Ram Jam about a black woman?

Jenn from East Rutherford, Nj The above “fact”that Ram Jam took heat from civil rights groups is true, but the song is NOT about a black woman, it is about herroin. And on most of Ram Jam’s other songs the drummer is the lead singer, this was one of the few he did not sing on.

Who was the original singer of Black Betty?

Howard from St. Louis Park, Mn Ram Jam was a one hit wonder who hit it big with the Leadbelly song Black Betty. This was one of the few 70s hits that was a remake of an old folk song. I have never heard Leadbelly’s version so I cannot make a comparison of both versions.

Is there such a thing as Black Betty?

“Black Betty is not another Frankie, nor yet a two-timing woman that a man can moan his blues about. She is the whip that was and is used in some Southern prisons… where […] whipping has been practically discontiuned…”

When did Black Betty by Manfred Mann come out?

In 1968 Manfred Mann released a version of the song, arranged for a band, with the title and lyrics changed to “Big Betty”, on their LP Mighty Garvey!. In 1972 Manfred Mann’s Earth Band performed “Black Betty” live for John Peel’s In Concert on the BBC, but this has not been publicly released.