Sunday, September 3, 2017

BEFORE THE HIT VERSION. This post: XCI- BLACK BETTY. Continues: next week.
BEFORE IT WAS A HIT SONG
These songs are well known but you may not know about the earlier attempts to score a hit record with prior versions of the same song.
Black Betty
Black Betty Ram Jam.jpg
Spiderbait - Black Betty.jpg
If you first heard "Black Betty" in its later incarnations, one would be surprised to discover its origins. In 1977, the American group Ram Jam cut a rock / blues version of the song. The single reached #18 in America and went Top 10 in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. 
A 2004 remake by Australian group Spiderbait had a more alternative rock approach. This cover version was a domestic #1. It cracked Billboard Magazine's Mainstream Rock Chart too.
Originally, "Black Betty" was an African- American work song. The earliest key version was recorded by folk and blues singer / guitarist Lead Belly. His take on the song was cut in 1939.
Lead Belly Negro Sinful Songs album cover 1939.jpg
Each new song will be added to the spotify playlist named: ‘Before It Was A Hit Song’.  You can check out the previous earlier / original versions of the hit songs you know and love.
The playlist and other Caffe` Latte` selections can be found at:
spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte

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