Betty Davis
< author: g booker >
How can somebody be a key pioneer in hard ass funk fusion, psychedelic fashion and empowered female sexuality, marry Miles Davis, inspire his landmark “Bitch’s Brew”, and hang with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Marc Bolan only to become somewhat obscure and difficult to find? I don’t know, but Betty Davis did it. Light in the Attic, the wonderful label behind the excellent “Jamaica to Toronto” series, is fixing that with upcoming snazzy CD releases of two 70s classics later this month. The music is unbelievably funky and arousing, so strong is her spell that the link to LITA below reveals gushing praise from not only Miles but also Herbie Hancock, Ice Cube, and Prince Paul (who would probably make an amazing supergroup). This was among the most amazing funk in the 70s not made by Sly Stone, and with Stone’s own rhythm section (aka the Family Stone) backing her up, she gives the master a run for his money. LaBelle, post-Ike Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper and Missy Elliot could not exist as we know them without Betty Davis. For the full story, be sure to make it to Relative and pick up the current “waxpoetics” (always my favorite magazine at the store). In the meantime, enjoy mp3s for “Anti Love Song” from 1973’s self titled album and “He Was A Big Freak” from 1974’s “They Say I’m Different”.
Betty Davis - Anti Love Song | mp3 |
Betty Davis - He Was A Big Freak | mp3 |
External Links
Betty Davis Tribute Myspace Profile
Light in the Attic Records
waxpoetics magazine
Internal Links
Toronto to Jamaica
The Black Angels
Literary Types
