From ’’ Black Betty ’’
Label: Blue Turtle Records -- BT 0015, Blue Turtle Records -- SPV 50-3514
Format: Vinyl, 12“, 45 RPM
Country: Germany
Released: 1987
Tracklist
A Black Betty
B .
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“Black Betty“ is a 20th century African-American work song often credited to Huddie “Lead Belly“ Ledbetter as the author, though the earliest recordings are not by him.
Some sources claim it is one of Lead Belly’s many adaptations of earlier folk material; in this case an 18th century marching cadence about a flintlock musket.
There are numerous recorded versions, including a cappela, folk, and rock arrangements.
The best known modern recordings are rock versions by Ram Jam and Spiderbait, both of which were hits.
Selected list of recorded versions
1933 James Baker (AKA Iron Head) and group
1939 Mose Platt (AKA Clear Rock)
1939 Huddie Ledbetter (AKA Lead Belly), originally on the 78rp