Betty Davis [CD]

• Betty’s classic full-length debut!
• CD housed in a digipak and featuring expanded booklet including rare photos, lyrics, and new 2022 liner notes by Danielle Maggio interviewing Betty
• Also available on Vinyl 

One can hardly imagine the genre-busting, culture-crossing musical magic of Outkast, Prince, Erykah Badu, Rick James, The Roots, or even the early Red Hot Chili Peppers without the influence of R&B pioneer Betty Davis. Her style of raw and revelatory punk-funk defies any notions that women can't be visionaries in the worlds of rock and pop. In recent years, rappers from Ice Cube to Talib Kweli to Ludacris have rhymed over her intensely strong but sensual music.

There is one testimonial about Betty Davis that is universal: she was a woman ahead of her time. In our contemporary moment, this may not be as self-evident as it was thirty years ago - we live in an age that's been profoundly changed by flamboyant flaunting of female sexuality: from Parlet to Madonna, Lil Kim to Kelis. Yet, back in 1973 when Betty Davis first showed up in her silver go-go boots, dazzling smile, and towering Afro, who could you possibly have compared her to? Marva Whitney had the voice but not the independence. Labelle wouldn't get sexy with their 'Lady Marmalade' for another year while Millie Jackson wasn't 'Feelin' Bitchy' until 1977. Even Tina Turner, the most obvious predecessor to Betty's fierce style wasn't completely out of Ike's shadow until later in the decade.

Ms. Davis's unique story, still sadly mostly unknown, is unlike any other in popular music. Betty wrote the song 'Uptown' for the Chambers Brothers before marrying Miles Davis in the late '60s, influencing him with psychedelic rock, and introducing him to Jimi Hendrix -- personally inspiring the classic album 'Bitches Brew.'

But her songwriting ability was way ahead of its time as well. Betty not only wrote every song she ever recorded and produced every album after her first, but the young woman penned the tunes that got The Commodores signed to Motown. The Detroit label soon came calling, pitching a Motown songwriting deal, which Betty turned down. Motown wanted to own everything. Heading to the UK, Marc Bolan of T. Rex urged the creative dynamo to start writing for herself. A common thread throughout Betty's career would be her unbending Do-It-Yourself ethic, which made her quickly turn down anyone who didn't fit with the vision. She would eventually say no to Eric Clapton as her album producer, seeing him as too banal.

In 1973, Davis would finally kick off her cosmic career with an amazingly progressive hard funk and sweet soul self-titled debut. Davis showcased her fiercely unique talent and features such gems as 'If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up' and 'Game Is My Middle Name.' The album Betty Davis was recorded with Sly & The Family Stone's rhythm section, sharply produced by Sly Stone drummer Greg Errico, and featured backing vocals from Sylvester and the Pointer Sisters.

Betty Davis, born on July 26, 1945, was an American funk, soul, and rock singer-songwriter who played a pioneering role in shaping the landscape of music during the 1960s and 1970s. With a powerful voice and an unapologetically bold stage presence, Davis defied musical norms, creating a unique and influential body of work.

Known for her collaborations with musicians like Miles Davis, whom she married in 1968, Betty Davis released several groundbreaking albums in the early 1970s. Her self-titled debut album, "Betty Davis," and subsequent releases such as "They Say I'm Different" and "Nasty Gal" showcased her fearless approach to blending genres, incorporating elements of funk, rock, and soul.

Davis's lyrics were provocative and liberating, addressing themes of sexuality, empowerment, and social justice. Her impact on the funk genre was profound, influencing future generations of musicians. Despite facing challenges and controversies, Davis's contributions to music and her unapologetic expression of individuality have earned her a revered place in musical history.

After stepping away from the music scene in the late 1970s, Betty Davis's work experienced a renaissance in the 21st century as new audiences rediscovered her innovative sound and lyrical honesty.

Betty Davis passed away on February 9, 2022, but her legacy as a trailblazer in funk and soul endures, inspiring artists across genres.

Studio Albums

• Betty Davis - 1973
• They Say I'm Different - 1974
• Nasty Gal - 1975
• Is It Love or Desire? - 2009

Singles

• "The Cellar"/"???" - 1963
• "Get Ready for Betty" / "I'm Gonna Get My Baby Back" - 1964
• "It's My Life" / "Live, Love, Learn" - 1968
• "If I'm in Luck I Might Get Picked Up" / "Steppin in Her I. Miller Shoes" - 1973
• "Ooh Yea" / "In the Meantime" - 1973
• "Shoo-B-Doop and Cop Him" / "He Was a Big Freak" - 1974
• "Git in There" /"They Say I'm Different" - 1974
• "Shut Off the Lights" / "He Was a Big Freak" - 1975

Compilations

• The Columbia Years 1968-69 - 2016

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Davis