"Black Betty" was Ram Jam's only big hit in 1977. But it is one of the most fun & energetic songs. Just some dudes hanging out in someone's back yard & jamming out. Love it! "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.
@@Barb5001 Agreed. There are recordings predating Leadbelly by a few years. The video was filmed on Long Island, at the bass player's (IIRC) parents' or girlfriend's house. Bill Bartlett gave an interview in 2022 that they shot it one day when their manager told them they had had a request for a video from someone in England. He didn't even see the final edit for over 40 years, when his dentist showed it to him. The record version has a longer solo that was cut for the video.
They spent the budget for the music video on beer and weed. They shot this in their backyard. And Black Betty was, historically a term for hard liquor. Whiskey of dubious origin. When this song came out Black Betty was a capsule (black) of dubious contents.
Here's ur answers. They were given $500.00 to get this recording made. They spent $450.00 on beer made the recording in the singer's grandma's backyard. This was made over 30 yrs ago. It's now popular again, due to everyone doing reaction videos now. Lead singer's daughter was a baby back then. Now, she's grown. She knows that back then, her dad made music. She has no Idea how popular he was then and now. It's fun to educate others on music. I'll say this. Everyone who now listens and see's the video, love's it!!! I haven't seen even 1 person who didn't love it!!!
Loved your reaction! I'm an old white guy and say this with all do respect. I am so glad a young black guy listens to a little southern rock and show me how to dance to it and look cool. 😂 If you like southern rock. Try lynard skynard. Simple man or freebird.
Just some hometown boy's jammin", the bassist went on to deliver mail and retired in the same town, they really didn't expect to get famous!!!Lol But they created rock gold with this one.
Black Betty is a old time gun. The barrels got hot. Shoots a bullet that goes wild. Then it refers to a sexy woman. All of then will drive you wild. Black betty is also a liquor. Black Betty is multiple things--not just one.
One band member: "Hey guys, we should make a video!" Another member: "I dunno...sounds like a lot of money" Member #1: "Naw, here's what we do. We just take our equipment out to the back yard, run some extension cords out there. We already got the bikes and girls we can set up in the background and there's still a case of beer left from last night!" Everybody yells at once "Hell yeah, let's do it!". The rest is history.
The song with shortening because back then the average time of a song on the air with about 2 minutes 35 seconds they ended up cutting a longer version down to make it more AirPlay friendly
I grew up in the 70’s out in the country just like this with bands jamming in the front yard on weekends & during the summer! And listening to THIS music!😂🥰♥️🎶So many fun memories!!
@@danadnauseam It was most special to me, my friend. One hit, no hit? All that's shit's irrelevant. It was my first show...and that's all that matters 🎶😎🎶
They’re just out in the backyard bro, you would fit in perfect! That’s how are used to roll! Probably one of the best two-minute bangers ever made! You gotta love it!
The place where this was videoed- Hicksville, Long Island, NY. A time long ago, where teens spent their summers hanging out with friends. Most had part time jobs. Teens were forming bands, hanging out at parks or beaches. If you could get fake proof , you hanging out at clubs. Add the guys working on and showing off their muscle cars. And at this time of long ago, no one carried a gun. Fights between men were settled with fists; once it was over they shook hands and walked away Indeed a time long, long ago.
The "radio friendly" version is a short clip of the entire studio album version which features much more of the guitar solo. You can find it on the album version but there's no "video" to it, just sweet sweet music. Liked your review-gave a follow and thumbs up 🙂
In the RUclips search look for Ram Jam Black Betty extended version, this song is actually 7 minutes long. I don’t know why we only get to see this chopped version ✌🏻
to answer you question about the video, the producer game them $500 to make the video and they spent most of it on beer and weed so they had to just set up in somebody's backyard 'cause they couldn't afford any place else, lol
This takes me back to my sons H.S. football games. We had to blast this on the way and I know it was always pumping in their locker room. The song is definitely too short
Where were you when this was happening? I suspect you were just a naughty twinkle in your Daddy's eye 😉😄 I loved this song back then, still love it now and love your reaction to discovering it 👍. Songs were short back then to fit the radio bosses "wants" of the time - most were 3 mins or under for single releases - but often longer versions would be found on albums. Would love to see you reacting to more short 70's rock songs - probably my favourite music era as I was young and carefree, in my teens and early twenties 🙂
Black Betty was a powder and ball musket used by the Confederate Army. It had a reputation of blowing up in your face. Bam-A-Lam was a re-work of the same gun and still had a bad habit of also blowing up.
This song is about a rifle during the civil war era. The band even used the same cadence the soldiers used(yes this included black confederate soldiers, the history we are told on the matter are generally half truths, the war was about state rights). The rifle was made in Birmingham Alabama and was very accurate and reliable, nicknamed 'black betty'. The next iteration of the rifle was a failure however, as it had a tendency to explode during use.
A younger version of this is by spiderbait. I know of at least 2 movies with this in the soundtrack. The spiderbait version rocks a banjo! Another must listen!
Bro like the show... been watching... u might wanna look at "da fold - rejection, you do you, falling, lose it" uk hip hop dont think you will b disappointed... luv from uk
As the story goes, the record company gave them $500 to make the video. In true rock fashion the spent it all on beer and weed and filmed it in a backyard...😂 😂
Lets get you going down an incredible rabbit hole! It will combine rock with the best blues guitar player to have ever been. Stevie Ray Vaughan! Start with Texas Flood live at El Mocambo. You are not ready!
This was before you were a little twinkle in your Parents eyes... Black Betty was a one hit wonder... Far too short but a spectacular hit... But keep on going down that rabbit hole... There are so much more songs to expose. We, growing up in that space and time, had the music that could change the way the world thought... AND it did
There is a much longer version of this song cut from the album that lasts a bit over 7 minutes, with longer drum and guitar solos. The backyard video is great, but far too short and leaves you wanting more, MUCH more!
It's so fun watching you enjoy music from my generation! If you haven't had the chance, check out Wild Cherry Play That Funky Music. It will blow you away!!
Why do people assume that everyone was racist…I don’t understand…in the 70s 80s we were more unified….all children played together it was so much more diverse without the violence….the problem is that certain entities have convinced that everyone is racist…that’s narrative of the day now…guess what it’s still not true
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm 72 and I Blasted this song in like 1974. Glad you youngsters are catching up].
I hear ya man. I'm 65. This song put us white people on the "Cool Chart" for at least a year! LOL!
"Black Betty" was Ram Jam's only big hit in 1977. But it is one of the most fun & energetic songs. Just some dudes hanging out in someone's back yard & jamming out. Love it! "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.
Lead Belly covered it but he certainly never wrote it
William Bartlett also had a number one hit when he was with the Lemon Pipers, called "Green Tambourine."
@@Barb5001 Agreed. There are recordings predating Leadbelly by a few years.
The video was filmed on Long Island, at the bass player's (IIRC) parents' or girlfriend's house. Bill Bartlett gave an interview in 2022 that they shot it one day when their manager told them they had had a request for a video from someone in England. He didn't even see the final edit for over 40 years, when his dentist showed it to him.
The record version has a longer solo that was cut for the video.
The label paid $500 for the video. The band spent $450 on beer and weed and filmed in the singer's backyard!
I met Bill Bartlett in 1969 when I was the roadie for another band on the bill with his band, the Lemon Pipers. Rick Nelson was on the same show.
Recorded in upstate NY, CIRCA 1977, someone's backyard.
Absolutely LOVE this song. The 70's and 80's rock was the best imo
Good opinion.
YEEEESSS.
😆👍🤣
You’re a sweetheart
Its funny when its over, how many people are like " What what just happened. Its over already "
They spent the budget for the music video on beer and weed. They shot this in their backyard.
And Black Betty was, historically a term for hard liquor. Whiskey of dubious origin.
When this song came out Black Betty was a capsule (black) of dubious contents.
This is the music I grew up and rocked out on. I was a sophomore in high school when this came out. Party party yeah. 🎶🤘420 🤘🎶
Here's ur answers. They were given $500.00 to get this recording made. They spent $450.00 on beer made the recording in the singer's grandma's backyard. This was made over 30 yrs ago. It's now popular again, due to everyone doing reaction videos now. Lead singer's daughter was a baby back then. Now, she's grown. She knows that back then, her dad made music. She has no Idea how popular he was then and now. It's fun to educate others on music. I'll say this. Everyone who now listens and see's the video, love's it!!! I haven't seen even 1 person who didn't love it!!!
Loved your reaction! I'm an old white guy and say this with all do respect. I am so glad a young black guy listens to a little southern rock and show me how to dance to it and look cool. 😂
If you like southern rock. Try lynard skynard. Simple man or freebird.
The biggest complaint about this song, is that it is too short.
Just some hometown boy's jammin", the bassist went on to deliver mail and retired in the same town, they really didn't expect to get famous!!!Lol But they created rock gold with this one.
The guitaring is PHANOMENOL 💯
My party song still kicking it in 2023 😂😂❤
🎸🔥🤟what a jam! your reaction is killing me‼️😂❤️
For those that don't know, dude is the same guy who played guitar for the Lemon Pipers, that did Green Tambourine 😎
Black Betty is a old time gun. The barrels got hot. Shoots a bullet that goes wild. Then it refers to a sexy woman. All of then will drive you wild. Black betty is also a liquor. Black Betty is multiple things--not just one.
It's like a time machine to 1977!!! I was 10 years old, but I remember hearing this on the radio! Still a blast of a jam!! You're the best QoFy 💙🎶✨👏🥳
I was 11 and instantly hooked!
"I hope this is baby step type rock!" Um, nope - one of the hardest, grooviest ones out there - and a fantastic starting point!! 🙂💘
One band member: "Hey guys, we should make a video!" Another member: "I dunno...sounds like a lot of money" Member #1: "Naw, here's what we do. We just take our equipment out to the back yard, run some extension cords out there. We already got the bikes and girls we can set up in the background and there's still a case of beer left from last night!" Everybody yells at once "Hell yeah, let's do it!". The rest is history.
The song with shortening because back then the average time of a song on the air with about 2 minutes 35 seconds they ended up cutting a longer version down to make it more AirPlay friendly
I grew up in the 70’s out in the country just like this with bands jamming in the front yard on weekends & during the summer! And listening to THIS music!😂🥰♥️🎶So many fun memories!!
Very first band I ever saw in concert. 1977 in Parkersburg, West Virginia. They opened for Wild Cherry 😎
The one-hit wonder special tour?
@@danadnauseam It was most special to me, my friend. One hit, no hit? All that's shit's irrelevant. It was my first show...and that's all that matters 🎶😎🎶
They’re just out in the backyard bro, you would fit in perfect! That’s how are used to roll! Probably one of the best two-minute bangers ever made! You gotta love it!
This has always been one of my favs.
1977 Ram Jam, there is a longer version. They are a one hit wonder. Hit the billboard #18. Singers name is Bill Barlett. He is from England 🇬🇧
The place where this was videoed- Hicksville, Long Island, NY. A time long ago, where teens spent their summers hanging out with friends. Most had part time jobs. Teens were forming bands, hanging out at parks or beaches. If you could get fake proof , you hanging out at clubs. Add the guys working on and showing off their muscle cars. And at this time of long ago, no one carried a gun. Fights between men were settled with fists; once it was over they shook hands and walked away Indeed a time long, long ago.
Back in the day songs needed to be short to play on the radio.
‘I need to stumble into this place’ I died laughing!!!! Thank you haha
I can't help but think of Johnny Depp walking through the airport in the movie "BLOW" to this song - every time!
Such a classic that never gets old!! Loved your reaction, as always.
The "radio friendly" version is a short clip of the entire studio album version which features much more of the guitar solo. You can find it on the album version but there's no "video" to it, just sweet sweet music. Liked your review-gave a follow and thumbs up 🙂
70’s craziness, 😂I so love it because it has such a rockin’ beat! Insanity, that’s what it is, right! 😃Awesome reaction!👏👏❤️
There’s a longer version with an amazing instrumental!! Cool to check out too
Ram Jam formed in NYC in 1977. NYC? Wouldn't have guessed that. Black Betty was written by Huddie Ledbetter, Aka, Lead Belly, and recorded in 1939.
Baby steps, huh?😂 You had so much fun you didn't want it to end. That's how we felt about it back in the day. Left me smiling at your reaction❤
Always play this on repeat 2-3 times to short in deed.
great reaction 😃😎 as always
In the RUclips search look for Ram Jam Black Betty extended version, this song is actually 7 minutes long. I don’t know why we only get to see this chopped version ✌🏻
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE YOURE REACTION ...ROCK ON....
Great reaction 😊
I found your channel tonight for the first time because I love the song; now you have a new fan! 😊.
Ur gonna lv this song❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I spent a lot of quarters playing this song on jukeboxes back in the '70s.
to answer you question about the video, the producer game them $500 to make the video and they spent most of it on beer and weed so they had to just set up in somebody's backyard 'cause they couldn't afford any place else, lol
This takes me back to my sons H.S. football games. We had to blast this on the way and I know it was always pumping in their locker room. The song is definitely too short
Their one and only hit. Formed in 1977, Ram Jam broke up by 1978.
I can see you now in the background with the girls on one of the motorcycles playing air guitar !
There's an extended version. Brilliant
I miss 70s and 80s music was fun in the 70s 80s were not political please bring them back
We All Love Black Betty Right ! 🎉😍
This was in my time. Glad you jammed to it 😅
Where were you when this was happening? I suspect you were just a naughty twinkle in your Daddy's eye 😉😄
I loved this song back then, still love it now and love your reaction to discovering it 👍. Songs were short back then to fit the radio bosses "wants" of the time - most were 3 mins or under for single releases - but often longer versions would be found on albums. Would love to see you reacting to more short 70's rock songs - probably my favourite music era as I was young and carefree, in my teens and early twenties 🙂
This song is called 'the bangingist banger that ever banged!'
There exists a longer version, with more Jammin' though I haven't found it.
Black Betty was a powder and ball musket used by the Confederate Army. It had a reputation of blowing up in your face. Bam-A-Lam was a re-work of the same gun and still had a bad habit of also blowing up.
The album version is longer thankfully! This version is edited for the video.
This song is about a rifle during the civil war era. The band even used the same cadence the soldiers used(yes this included black confederate soldiers, the history we are told on the matter are generally half truths, the war was about state rights).
The rifle was made in Birmingham Alabama and was very accurate and reliable, nicknamed 'black betty'. The next iteration of the rifle was a failure however, as it had a tendency to explode during use.
True classic. Glad you liked it. Story goes it cost $200.00 for booze and weed to get them motivated. Truth. :-)
You probably were not born when this was released.
Wasn't me 🥁🥁🥁🥁🔥🔥🔥🎶🎶🎶🎶
Hey! .. Harley's... beer.. and Rock!!! I'm there!!!
This is the video version, which is a good bit shorter than the album cut.
Hahaha his face
A younger version of this is by spiderbait. I know of at least 2 movies with this in the soundtrack. The spiderbait version rocks a banjo! Another must listen!
I'm digging that Huggin and Munnin shirt you're wearing, my dokd.
The first time I heard this song was when Spiderbait covered it a number of years back. It's a fun song for sure!
The actual song is longer than this, with more instrumental pieces in between. The video version is shortened.
Bro like the show... been watching... u might wanna look at "da fold - rejection, you do you, falling, lose it" uk hip hop dont think you will b disappointed... luv from uk
❤❤❤❤❤
YOU SEEM LIKE U R SSSSO COOL !!!! AND A REAL MAN.....THATS NICE,,,,UR FUN 2....NIIIICE WAY TO THINK ,,AS YOU EXPLAINED ,,,BUMPING INTO THEM....LOL!!
Apparently, they were given $500 to make the video. The band spent $50 on making the video in the back yard and spent $450 on beer and weed.
Coolest comments from you....😅😅😅😅😅
Yeah, this classic is over before you feel it really begins. I want them to sing more about Black Betty the woman and not the gun haha.
New Sub! I love this song!
il mio primo 45 giri ad 11 anni ❤
Looks like my uncle just rocking it out lol
As the story goes, the record company gave them $500 to make the video. In true rock fashion the spent it all on beer and weed and filmed it in a backyard...😂 😂
It's almost prog with the changes ...I remember hearing this as a kid and I never understood it but dang .. they can play
The long version is much better.
Lets get you going down an incredible rabbit hole!
It will combine rock with the best blues guitar player to have ever been.
Stevie Ray Vaughan!
Start with Texas Flood live at El Mocambo. You are not ready!
This was before you were a little twinkle in your Parents eyes...
Black Betty was a one hit wonder... Far too short but a spectacular hit...
But keep on going down that rabbit hole... There are so much more songs to expose.
We, growing up in that space and time, had the music that could change the way the world thought... AND it did
There is a longer version of this song.
There is a much longer version of this song cut from the album that lasts a bit over 7 minutes, with longer drum and guitar solos. The backyard video is great, but far too short and leaves you wanting more, MUCH more!
Easy answer, you was a Twinkle in you parents young eyes
G'day mate, you need to see the Aussie version by 'Spiderbait- Black Betty - Official Video 2004 - 4K Remaster'
In italy sti cazzi🎉🎉🎉
The band got $500 to make the video. They spent it all on beer and weed and shot the video in the guitar players backyard.
Where is this? Where is the time machine? Subbed
It's so fun watching you enjoy music from my generation! If you haven't had the chance, check out Wild Cherry Play That Funky Music. It will blow you away!!
don't worry about being lynched, these guys would have welcomed you with open arms, and so would so so many other folk...
Lead Belly did this long before Ram Jam; but it was RAM JAM that made it roar. Don't preform the music as much as attack it.
That is the short version
There is a long version. Go find it bro.
I played the Amazon version and it is way longer.
Why do people assume that everyone was racist…I don’t understand…in the 70s 80s we were more unified….all children played together it was so much more diverse without the violence….the problem is that certain entities have convinced that everyone is racist…that’s narrative of the day now…guess what it’s still not true
Story has it it’s a friends backyard and they were paid with pot. True or not they are a fantastic band.
My story has it that they used half the money for the video on beer and pot and that's why the low budget setting...who knows
This song is longer. Look it up.😊
The album version is longer, and you better buckle in first! ruclips.net/video/4cn_woPvjQI/видео.html
Its a Musket