Maybe it's because I graduated from High School in 1972, but I think we had the best music growing up. Starting with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones right up to the mid to late 70's. Love your reaction to this. Thanks for helping prove that music is the one thing that unites us all.
We did have to best music. I'm slightly younger than you are. Do you remember listening to the underground radio station? Beeker Street with Clyde Clifford, that played songs about a year before they came out to the public.
I was in High School went Black Betty came out, perfect timing for us. Great memories for that period of being a mature kid in high school. Skipping school, going from Pennsylvania to across the NY state border, to Cuddebackville, New York, to hang out at a local swimming hole with those Cuddebackville, New York kids! Great times! Oh Black Betty!!!
@Big Investment no, it was garbage. We used to have to roll 4 joints, then get in somebody's car and smoke 'em all at once with the windows up to feel amything. Today's weed? I can put one little piece in the bowl and I'm set.
This video was brought to you by Marijuana, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Evan Williams. P.S. Aunt Janet is still pissed about her yard 45 years later, her neighbor Bob is still complaining about the noise, and three of the people in this video are still high today.
RELEASED IN 1977 Jamels biggest amounts of views 1 MILLION 387 , ,000,, GOES TO SHOW you how good 70s music WAS ,, Most of the biggest amounts Jamels views are songs from the 70s, , CHECK EM OUT for your self , The FANTASTIC 70s
"You can take your talent everywhere." That a great quote Jamel, inspired by some guy in his back yard playing some amazing guitar! - I used to tell my students: "The Man can steal your money; Mr. Slick can steal your honey; Gravity steals your health & pretty face; but no one can erase your talent & education."
Supposedly it's a old very old southern song dating to revolutionary War times but has been resong in different versions like it could me whiskey or gun powder or slaves in each continuation or version it was a song forbading the furtue but yes it has been around for over 300 years in some forum or another I believes Ledbetter did a version early 20th century too
My Dad's Coast Guard buddy played Black Betty while we were all out on his boat. He told me if this song didn't move you there was no music in your soul.
With the world in a fritz, I’m glad there’s still wholesome people not forgetting the joys in life. I’m a Asian/African-American watching a African American watching Caucasian Americans playing a song in their backyard. This is what matters.
@@CatharticusX immediately checked it out and holy crap nostalgia trip. going to watch without a paddle now. great cover though. thank you for recommending.
"Black Betty" was a cadence sung by black confederate soldiers during the civil war. Black Betty was a rifle made in Birmingham, Alabama. The company that made the gun made an "improved model", hence "Black Betty had a child". They hated the new rifle because it didn't shoot straight. Hence, "damned thing gone wild". Ram Jam put music to the 160 year old cadence. BY: tommonteck
There is an extended version with an amazing instrumental in the middle. ALSO / thank you for being one of my favorite reactors, because I had to go through three horrible ones to this song before I got to you. THANK YOU!!!
There you go, brother...it's called, "old school," this song was written and performed a good while back and it's still loved by those of us who grew up at that time. I'm glad that you liked it.
@@LuciFernato - my comment was referring to a common sentiment about hearing the version of this song played for radio- wanting the song to keep going for a couple of more verses because it's a fun time. Many times albums feature (slightly to completely) different versions of a song than what's available for radio play. The original Back Betty by Lead Belly that CLEARLY inspired the Ram Jam version is less than two minutes.
As others have commented, Leadbelly was the original artist. His version was about the chain gangs smashing rocks to make asphalt, which comes out black. The Ram Jam singer always said he was thinking about Bettie Page when he sang it. She was a gorgeous pin-up girl in the 60s. Some people say Bettie Page was the original "Goth Girl". She was FINE!
Your reaction was 2:25 of greatness! Feeling that flow. Made me smile. 😁 It's cool to see someone jamming out for the first time, to a song I know so well. Glad you enjoyed it!
I was going to say that, but I noticed your comment. Yes, that was a Lead Belly song.These guys did an awesome cover. I like Lead Belly's version as well. ❤
Yes, there's an a cappella recording of Leadbelly, here on YT. So cool that LB sang his version, picked up by these "random" white guys, their version, then reviewed by our knowledgeable friend. Some good respect and sharing of music.
I'm a little late to the party here. :) There are a ton of covers of this great blues standard. Here is one I like, by a band called Caravan Palace who give it a bit of an Electro Swing flavor: ruclips.net/video/B4hn1RnpVT0/видео.html
I remember vividly, where I heard that song first time. Back end of the 70th in our small disco, which also functioned as a movie theatre. All the handbangers were totally freaking out, when Black Betty was on. Thank you so much for bringing back those times and for your always honest and heartfelt reactions. You got most of my back in the days favorites covered. It is great to be part of your travel in time. Thank you so much 🤘🤘💞💘
This song has a long and storied history my friend. Its actually a very old marching chant sung by soldiers. Black Betty refers to a favored model of musket. The line "black betty had a child. The damn thing gone wild" refers to the successor to this rifle which was hated by soldiers. "The damn thing gone blind" refers to the rifle being inaccurate and throwing shots everywhere. Bam balam is the sound of the soldiers' volley of fire. The line "she's so rock steady and she's always ready" again refers to the reliability of the gun. Hope you found this interesting. You should look up the OLDEST known recording of this song from the turn of the century. EDIT: Also this song has many different versions of the lyrics. They were modified and added to over the years with some arguing this has ascribed many different meanings to the song. However the original meaning holds true. It's about a rifle.
Hmmm. But Birmingham wasn’t founded until 1871 and muskets were falling out of favor. I’ve lived in Birmingham AL all my life and don’t recall ever hearing about an Arsenal or rifle works ever being here. Now, Birmingham England made rifles where you get the famous BSA (Birmingham Small Arms factory). Nice story anyway as there may be some truth in it.
Jamal love your reaction videos. great to see you get into the grove of all the music you listen too, no matter what the genre is. You listen to any genre without prejudice. You obviously have a huge spectrum of which you react from. keep up the great work, pleasure to watch your channel. All the way from Nottingham in England
I could spend an An hour or two every night listening and watching everyone's reaction for just this song ! Love the song and love watchin everyone's reaction to this song ! #KEEP EM COMIN
Man you guys have no idea what you missed in the seventies! That we didn't have cellphones but we had damn good music! P.S. thanks for all the up votes! We didn't know how good we had it did we? When I compare the way music and the world is now to the way the world was then I just shake my head. To be honest I let it make me feel sad.
AMEN Sister!,... If given the chance I would relive my teenage years during the 70's. Saw Ram Jam perform this song live as an opening act for Robin Trower in 1977 at COBO Hall in Detroit, Michigan. Still have the ticket in a scrapbook with hundreds of other bands.
This song is a freely rocking adaptation of Leadbelly’s Black Betty. From around 1930. It’s an old slave holla type thing. No instruments. Just clapping. Look it up. It’s amazing!
thad thanks for given me info on this song always loved it and i also wanted to know more about it i knew a few other people play it but never knew leadbelly wrote it thank you
I've always loved this song and think I always will, they was definitely a head of there time with there stile of music, it is a master peace that I don't think will ever get old. I've posted this song lots of times over a few year's, also there lyrics can be taken and used in a few ways, but nomatter what they are brilliant. If they brought this song out today or even within the last few years it would be an even bigger hit than way back when they produced this master piece. Its a tune that will always cheer you up and get you want to start dancing. Hopefully the more it get posted on the web etc then the younger generation will get to here it and eventually this master piece will start getting played in clubs etc,
Your videos show that music crosses over and reaches all kinds of people and race doesn't matter!! Music is the Great Language that brings people together!!
Jamal - been a subscriber for well over a year bro and love your gig. Living in Thailand and spreading the word about your channel and encouraging friends to subscribe. You cover all music and spread the love. Great role model for everyone with a positive vibe. Peace brother. Keep workin' it!
@@NefariousDreary I think there was a bigger leap from 60s to 70s than 70s to 80s although I love 80s music. The 70s really introduced power chords and iconic guitar riffs like no other decade.
Just blows my mind you can truly appreciate so many types of music! I'm 68 and because of your channel I'm appreciating the music i grew up with more than i ever did! We just kinda took it for granted as it was what it was. Thanx so much for your channel.
I'm 70, and feel the same way as you do!! I enjoyed all of these songs, back in the day. This channel is excellent!! I'm re-hearing these songs like a first timer. Great job!! BB
We love our baby boomers, as a millenial in my early thirties can honestly say my dad introduced me to a lot of cool music and without your guys' generation of music and the counter culture of the sixties: who knows what music would be in this day and age its already suffering enough.
I remember that this song was played in all French bars and nightclub in 1991. Thanks Jamel for this flashback, it was pleasant to listen it again ! I appreciate your work. Greetings from France. Djamel
If that were the case your dad would most likelt be telling you this story while driving you in his mint 78 corvette because he was a successful artist
Love your commentary. This is a great song, which I remember from back in the day. The backyard setup is both humorous and self-deprecating, in a good way! "Hey, we can make great music in the backyard!" Whoo Hoo, let's do it! Any, great vocals, killer guitar line....
Yes, this was a jam...and I'm "a white people", but I don't like to see white people dancing, anymore than I like to see them boxing...which is always at 3am for some reason, lol. So I'm glad there wasn't a whole lawn full of embarrassing white people dancing. And like I said, I'm a "white people" myself. But as much as I hate to say it...there's just some things we don't do well. Not after you have watched Soul Train a few times.
@@39thala I just googled his name. Some stuff there on him, including a story about his life now...or at least the story seems fairly new. www.orgs.miamioh.edu/projectoxford/wards1.htm
Jamal, I've watched several of your reviews. Really love your kind and intelligent energy and commentary, have subscribed, of course. Bless you, my friend!
So, I am old enough to remember when it first came out. The other day it got stuck in my head and I had ALEXA play it :) So here is the full history of the song. The chorus (oh Black Betty, Bamalam) has been around since the Revolutionary war (not Civil), however the lyrics changed many times over the years. It was originally a marching song. And they were singing about a musket that was painted black. It was manufactured in Birmingham, England. (it was then followed by Brown Bess) It may have been sung in the Civil war too. Next it reappears in 1933 sung by a 63 year old, James "Iron head" Baker who was in Prison on a chain gang. He was recorded in the field by US "musicologists" John and Alan Lomax. He performed a cappella with other convicts singing back up. The Lomaxes were recording for the Library of Congress. They recorded several versions. It was thought at that time that "Black Betty" was a whip used on the convicts. In 1939, LeadBelly re-recorded his own version and then finally in the early 1970's Bill Bartlett, a fan of LeadBelly, reworked the song and added two additional verses. He was the first guitarist of Ram Jam. He later left the band and took the song with him. His version of Black Betty is about whiskey/ moonshine. It was either Leadbelly or Bartlett that added the "down in Alabam". ( I think it was Bartlett, but not sure.) So there you have it!
"Black Betty" was the name of a famous moonshine still. The reference to a child was another still made from parts of Black Betty. Apparently some of the parts had something wrong with them or some of the ingredients for the moonshine were bad and were reported to cause blindness in those that drank it.
I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that dude is the actual lead singer who didn't have anything to do for the song, so he combined weird al with mick jagger...
@@mackjeez A Black Betty was a black lacquered Brown Bess; a Standard Long Land Pattern .75 caliber smoothbore musket. Since it was a flintlock, it made the characteristic "bam-ba-lam" as it was set off. Both were, of course, named after Queen Elizabeth.
Producer: "Hey what budget do you need for the music video" RJ: "200 bucks" Producer: "How are you gonna make a music video with $200?" RJ: "We're just gonna play the song in Steven's backyard" Producer: "Well.... then what are the 200 bucks for?" RJ: "Weed."
"Only thing I've got to say about that is I wish it was longer." Okay, here's the longer version. This was recorded about two years earlier by singer Bill Bartlett's prior band Starstruck, and the Ram Jam version is in fact just an edited version of this recording. Bill Bartlett is the only person you see in the back yard video who actually played on the recording you hear. ruclips.net/video/ihTqpNZQNwE/видео.html
Me, too! Freedom was AWESOME in the 70's. Kids could be kids back then. I got in trouble for singing this song in school, though. Uneducated educators thought it was racist and wouldn't listen to me, or to the only 2 black kids in school, who ALSO walked around singing this song. Lol
Hey, Thats a Les Paul Guitar the singer is Playing. Les Paul asked Gibson Guitar company to make for him. A lot of talented guitar players use This Les Paul Guitars. Rock On. Great job for this Jamel AKA Jamal Is doing (ALWAYS)
This is an Old Blues Song by "Leadbelly". My Father had The Original. I've always been into Blues. So He played the original for Me and I played the Remake by Ram Jam for Him. Dad loved it.
The oldest recording of this song is from the chain gangs. The lyrics and name black betty date back even further. It's about a rifle if I remember correctly.
Unfortunately, that's why a lot of really good artists went away after music videos started to be a thing. Sadly, the mainstream wanted style over substance apparently.
@@SaxaphoneMan42 Sadly. My generation is mostly creatively bankrupt musically. >_> There is the occasional exception like Casey Lee Wiliams for Alternative Rock, but Classic is just dead rn.
Развлечения
That song probably generated a million dollars in speeding tickets.
You got that right 🤣🤣🤣
I would confirm but I haven't been caught yet.
Yes sir. It is impossible to do the speed limit while this song is playing!
And at least 1 million worth of chiropractor visits for neck problems
Hell yeah!!
This song turns every middle age dad into a Nascar driver when it hits.
This one and "Radar Love". lol
Black betty, radar love, and highway star 😂
@@laurenblainebamartistmgt I know it's true....
🤣🤣🤣🤣 do the same thing and I a GIRL!🤣🤣🤣🤣
😁😂😂🤣🤣🤣
Maybe it's because I graduated from High School in 1972, but I think we had the best music growing up. Starting with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones right up to the mid to late 70's. Love your reaction to this. Thanks for helping prove that music is the one thing that unites us all.
We did have to best music. I'm slightly younger than you are. Do you remember listening to the underground radio station? Beeker Street with Clyde Clifford, that played songs about a year before they came out to the public.
I graduated in 93 but I agree with you. My parents graduated in 76 and they raised me right. :)
I am from 69 and every decade has his own golden hits.
The missing ingredient is cicaine
Agree. Graduated in ‘75, some of the best music ever.
I was in High School went Black Betty came out, perfect timing for us. Great memories for that period of being a mature kid in high school. Skipping school, going from Pennsylvania to across the NY state border, to Cuddebackville, New York, to hang out at a local swimming hole with those Cuddebackville, New York kids! Great times! Oh Black Betty!!!
“The lead singer looks like if mountain dew was a person.” To directly quote one of my favorite comments on any RUclips video ever.
Fast Charlie 😂
That's hysterical
Fast Charlie That’s the funniest shit I’ve seen in awhile. I WILL use it elsewhere! 🤣🤣
Yes ripping on a guitar with a hill billy mustache. That would be mountain dew, no doubt about it
Oh yeah, I'm using that 😁
This is the music you get when you prioritize talent over looks.
Yes sir
I love ugly musicians. They aren't making it on their looks. There must be some other reason.
Works for me all day every day.........
Looks are empty. Music is what you’re there for. Music comes from the soul and it was good
They're beautiful.
Classic.. we would blast that in the car and everybody would smiling, jumping in our seats! One of my favorites even decades later!
The guitar & the whole beat of this song is off the charts ..an old favourite,.love it !!
Saw a golden comment on this vid not long ago. "They spent $10 to make this video and that was to buy the weed..." LOL!
Hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha
Good Gold or Red was $30.00 for a five finger bag, back then.
Dimes were a rip off but, when you're in a tight spot, you would get what you could.
@Big Investment no, it was garbage. We used to have to roll 4 joints, then get in somebody's car and smoke 'em all at once with the windows up to feel amything.
Today's weed? I can put one little piece in the bowl and I'm set.
Big Investment, no it wasn’t. This weed now is way, way more potent than back then. Was why we rolled big fat doobies.
@Big Investment bro I'm nearly 60!
I'm talking about the 70s, not five minutes ago in the 90s lolol
This video was brought to you by Marijuana, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Evan Williams. P.S. Aunt Janet is still pissed about her yard 45 years later, her neighbor Bob is still complaining about the noise, and three of the people in this video are still high today.
And Pontiac Trans Am
RELEASED IN 1977 Jamels biggest amounts of views 1 MILLION 387 , ,000,, GOES TO SHOW you how good 70s music WAS ,, Most of the biggest amounts Jamels views are songs from the 70s, , CHECK EM OUT for your self , The FANTASTIC 70s
Based on an old slave work song …
Jim H. Best. Comment. Ever
Lol!
"You can take your talent everywhere." That a great quote Jamel, inspired by some guy in his back yard playing some amazing guitar! - I used to tell my students: "The Man can steal your money; Mr. Slick can steal your honey; Gravity steals your health & pretty face; but no one can erase your talent & education."
Supposedly it's a old very old southern song dating to revolutionary War times but has been resong in different versions like it could me whiskey or gun powder or slaves in each continuation or version it was a song forbading the furtue but yes it has been around for over 300 years in some forum or another I believes Ledbetter did a version early 20th century too
drugs and alcohol erase your talent and education
Epic quote from your father! Please make everyone you know and will eventually meet here's that quote! Wisdom is lacking in the 21st Century.
My Dad's Coast Guard buddy played Black Betty while we were all out on his boat. He told me if this song didn't move you there was no music in your soul.
With the world in a fritz, I’m glad there’s still wholesome people not forgetting the joys in life. I’m a Asian/African-American watching a African American watching Caucasian Americans playing a song in their backyard. This is what matters.
Love it!!! You're so right! ✝️👍
Not right. You’re an American watching a American watching American play a song in a back yard.
@@tackleberry933 absolutely correct. i agree with you bud
There’s a great metal-ish version of this by the band Spiderbait.
@@CatharticusX immediately checked it out and holy crap nostalgia trip. going to watch without a paddle now. great cover though. thank you for recommending.
"Black Betty" was a cadence sung by black confederate soldiers during the civil war. Black Betty was a rifle made in Birmingham, Alabama. The company that made the gun made an "improved model", hence "Black Betty had a child". They hated the new rifle because it didn't shoot straight. Hence, "damned thing gone wild". Ram Jam put music to the 160 year old cadence.
BY:
tommonteck
heard and liked this song but didn't know the background to it...awesome brother, thank you
Thank you for sharing this!! So much better than thinking about some lady named Betty and her bad son!!!
Fuck I didn't know that that is wild. Thx for the info brother
@@homesteadhousewife9964 😂😂😂😂😂😂. Ikr
Also Lead Belly did it earlier, and I believe Ram Jam got it from him.
There is an extended version with an amazing instrumental in the middle. ALSO / thank you for being one of my favorite reactors, because I had to go through three horrible ones to this song before I got to you. THANK YOU!!!
There you go, brother...it's called, "old school," this song was written and performed a good while back and it's still loved by those of us who grew up at that time. I'm glad that you liked it.
This house is at 295 Jerusalem Ave Hicksville NY 11801, and filmed in the front yard. The house was built in 1924. :)
Is it still there? Worth a road trip!
@@jinx5795 I was visiting friends in the old neighborhood. Yes the house is still there.
Hicksville!!! You can't make that stuff up.👍
@@dcmccart25 I heard there gear is still setup on that very lawn as well!
Really? I gotta check that out.
"...I wish it was longer."
-You ...and everyone else who has ever heard this song.
Beth G well, the album version is longer aye
@@LuciFernato - my comment was referring to a common sentiment about hearing the version of this song played for radio- wanting the song to keep going for a couple of more verses because it's a fun time. Many times albums feature (slightly to completely) different versions of a song than what's available for radio play. The original Back Betty by Lead Belly that CLEARLY inspired the Ram Jam version is less than two minutes.
Were I come from we something called the “replay” button
Beth G yeah i know that with me being a musician and all, but i just wanted to point out that the album release at least is about a minute longer
"Thats what she said"
As others have commented, Leadbelly was the original artist. His version was about the chain gangs smashing rocks to make asphalt, which comes out black. The Ram Jam singer always said he was thinking about Bettie Page when he sang it. She was a gorgeous pin-up girl in the 60s. Some people say Bettie Page was the original "Goth Girl". She was FINE!
"Leadbelly was the original artist" No, James "Iron Head" Baker's recording was earlier.
Lead belly re-did it but it came out in 1933 by another black artist Iron Head
Your reaction was 2:25 of greatness! Feeling that flow. Made me smile. 😁
It's cool to see someone jamming out for the first time, to a song I know so well.
Glad you enjoyed it!
hi. I am a 62 year old grandmother,I just love watching y'all youngins reactions to popular songs from my era.
Your era was the best. At least in America (here in Italy was a bit different...)
❤💕❤
I agree 100% - I'm 59...
So do I. I'm 60🎶
Lier you're not a grandmother
We all know it so shut up
Leadbelly released this song in the 30's, which is probably why it slaps so hard. Props to Ram Jam for putting some sick energy on it.
I was going to say that, but I noticed your comment. Yes, that was a Lead Belly song.These guys did an awesome cover. I like Lead Belly's version as well. ❤
Haha same here
Yes, there's an a cappella recording of Leadbelly, here on YT. So cool that LB sang his version, picked up by these "random" white guys, their version, then reviewed by our knowledgeable friend. Some good respect and sharing of music.
I'm a little late to the party here. :) There are a ton of covers of this great blues standard. Here is one I like, by a band called Caravan Palace who give it a bit of an Electro Swing flavor: ruclips.net/video/B4hn1RnpVT0/видео.html
His version is a little less loud
ruclips.net/video/SJUSGuNxt-4/видео.html
I Love this song! No matter what mood I’m in, this always gets me rockin’! There are some talented musicians in this band.
I remember vividly, where I heard that song first time. Back end of the 70th in our small disco, which also functioned as a movie theatre. All the handbangers were totally freaking out, when Black Betty was on.
Thank you so much for bringing back those times and for your always honest and heartfelt reactions.
You got most of my back in the days favorites covered. It is great to be part of your travel in time. Thank you so much 🤘🤘💞💘
If you hear Ram Jam in a movie, someone's about to catch an ass whoop'n.
😂😉
I could dance like that! If I felt like it!
Or smuggling blow
Frankly I’m amazed it wasn’t in Joe Dirt....
Jarhead Charlie by a bear...
This song has a long and storied history my friend. Its actually a very old marching chant sung by soldiers. Black Betty refers to a favored model of musket. The line "black betty had a child. The damn thing gone wild" refers to the successor to this rifle which was hated by soldiers.
"The damn thing gone blind" refers to the rifle being inaccurate and throwing shots everywhere. Bam balam is the sound of the soldiers' volley of fire.
The line "she's so rock steady and she's always ready" again refers to the reliability of the gun.
Hope you found this interesting. You should look up the OLDEST known recording of this song from the turn of the century.
EDIT: Also this song has many different versions of the lyrics. They were modified and added to over the years with some arguing this has ascribed many different meanings to the song. However the original meaning holds true. It's about a rifle.
It also makes for a lot of funny puns.
Hmmm. But Birmingham wasn’t founded until 1871 and muskets were falling out of favor. I’ve lived in Birmingham AL all my life and don’t recall ever hearing about an Arsenal or rifle works ever being here. Now, Birmingham England made rifles where you get the famous BSA (Birmingham Small Arms factory).
Nice story anyway as there may be some truth in it.
Wow, I did not know that ?..(said in Johnny Carson voice)..
Pierce Nine thank you for that!
Thanks So Much for the history and clarification of this very cool tune 👍⭐️👍💯
Jamal love your reaction videos. great to see you get into the grove of all the music you listen too, no matter what the genre is. You listen to any genre without prejudice. You obviously have a huge spectrum of which you react from. keep up the great work, pleasure to watch your channel. All the way from Nottingham in England
I could spend an An hour or two every night listening and watching everyone's reaction for just this song ! Love the song and love watchin everyone's reaction to this song !
#KEEP EM COMIN
Man you guys have no idea what you missed in the seventies! That we didn't have cellphones but we had damn good music!
P.S. thanks for all the up votes! We didn't know how good we had it did we? When I compare the way music and the world is now to the way the world was then I just shake my head. To be honest I let it make me feel sad.
AMEN Sister!,... If given the chance I would relive my teenage years during the 70's. Saw Ram Jam perform this song live as an opening act for Robin Trower in 1977 at COBO Hall in Detroit, Michigan. Still have the ticket in a scrapbook with hundreds of other bands.
Word
I am so happy we did not have a camera on every friend growing up. Way more freedom!
My parents introduced me to this when I was a teen. I was born in 83. Love this song
Amen!
This song is a freely rocking adaptation of Leadbelly’s Black Betty. From around 1930. It’s an old slave holla type thing. No instruments. Just clapping. Look it up. It’s amazing!
thad thanks for given me info on this song always loved it and i also wanted to know more about it i knew a few other people play it but never knew leadbelly wrote it thank you
Yes😍
Whaaaat?!
I knew about it being sung in chain gangs you know two songs with a similar is Flower by Moby and Green up Sally or at least that was it’s main lyric
ruclips.net/video/6A2V9Bu80J4/видео.html Moby’s version
I've always loved this song and think I always will, they was definitely a head of there time with there stile of music, it is a master peace that I don't think will ever get old. I've posted this song lots of times over a few year's, also there lyrics can be taken and used in a few ways, but nomatter what they are brilliant. If they brought this song out today or even within the last few years it would be an even bigger hit than way back when they produced this master piece. Its a tune that will always cheer you up and get you want to start dancing. Hopefully the more it get posted on the web etc then the younger generation will get to here it and eventually this master piece will start getting played in clubs etc,
We boomers are so grateful to have grown up with thee best music on the planet. That's why we play it twice, 🤣 60s 70s and 80s
What a great channel! No race or politics here, just people coming together and appreciating music!!
All Love✌🏾🧔🏾✌🏾
Exactly!✌️
@@jamelakajamal let us all keep great music alive!😎
Singing bout a gun 😁
Didn't see that reaction coming. Truly thought it was going bad.
He was wrong on what it cost to make it, the weed probably wasn't free.
To be honest, an oz of good Columbian was $40. Great times. 😎
Lol
Wish I could smoke!
Agreed
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
DIDNT ANY BODY SMOKE WEED IN THE 80s ???????????????? , Or was COCAINE The drug for 80 BANDS
I really enjoy your videos, seeing you rocking it just makes me smile 😄
The more you grin and groove with the music the more I smile!!!!
You are awesome!!!!
You know it's good when the lead singer successfully rocks mullet and bangs simultaneously. Legendary.
He be your favourite science teacher in high school, huh?
I don't understand how anyone can get to their 20's without hearing this song even by accident.
Nobody played NFS Underground or what?😁
I got to 39. Glad I did hear it Finally
Exactly you must have been living on another planet if you never heard this before come on now 🤦♂️
KINDA LIKE HEARING "DOA" BY BLOODROCK..ANOTHER BANNED! FROMT HE RADIO SONG. WHERE IS THE FREE SPEECH IN THE USA?
I heard it first on Rayman legends then searched for the actual song
Your videos show that music crosses over and reaches all kinds of people and race doesn't matter!! Music is the Great Language that brings people together!!
Your smile :)
You are one of the nicest people I've seen on RUclips, we was smiling all through the video. Talking about infectious.
After all these years this song just continues to age like fine wine..
ruclips.net/video/TaQv3Cl06ow/видео.html
Thats the 1970s For Ya ,,
No way
"This songs video cost about free dollars."
that legit made me laugh.. good joke..
That was funny sh*t!!!
Hehe yeah I was thinking 3 dollars but when he spelled it out I laughed my ass off. And it is probably true haha😅
It cost tree fiddy.
@@keribubba now dont go givin away no tree fiddy..
Just goin come back now wantin another tree fiddy..
Me: enters that into book of dad jokes for future reference.
Jamal - been a subscriber for well over a year bro and love your gig. Living in Thailand and spreading the word about your channel and encouraging friends to subscribe. You cover all music and spread the love. Great role model for everyone with a positive vibe. Peace brother. Keep workin' it!
I always love the guy dancing by himself in the back on the left! AWESOME stuff! Great reaction!
The musicianship in the 70s is unparalleled in my humble opinion.
And showmanship.
Agree with every fibre of my being mate! Born in the 70’s surrounded by this luciousness!
@@Lena_K0711 DUDE! Check out: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard! - Its 70s prog rock AF
I would also say the 80s but yeah the 70s had alot of cool stuff. Like the Hair of the dog album by Nazareth
@@NefariousDreary I think there was a bigger leap from 60s to 70s than 70s to 80s although I love 80s music. The 70s really introduced power chords and iconic guitar riffs like no other decade.
Just blows my mind you can truly appreciate so many types of music!
I'm 68 and because of your channel I'm appreciating the music i grew up with more than i ever did! We just kinda took it for granted as it was what it was.
Thanx so much for your channel.
Me too. Never thought I would love reaction videos so muck. Jamal is sooooooo coooooool. Take care
I'm 70, and feel the same way as you do!! I enjoyed all of these songs, back in the day. This channel is excellent!! I'm re-hearing these songs like a first timer. Great job!! BB
@@bruceabean1 in thinking most of us do😄
We love our baby boomers, as a millenial in my early thirties can honestly say my dad introduced me to a lot of cool music and without your guys' generation of music and the counter culture of the sixties: who knows what music would be in this day and age its already suffering enough.
I’m 55 and I like this channel! Takes me back and I realize just how cool the music was I grew up on! Keep Rockin!
Love how you enjoy all genres bro!!! Love watching your videos. Keep it up!!!
I remember that this song was played in all French bars and nightclub in 1991. Thanks Jamel for this flashback, it was pleasant to listen it again ! I appreciate your work. Greetings from France. Djamel
When musicians were not promoted for their looks or their clothes.
It was all about the music. This is proof
I love their look and clothes, it's perfect. 🤩
@@hogi99 mid 70's clothing at it's finest !! LOL
The real-talent days
10/10 would still wear all those outfits.
"Cost free dollars."
I peed.
The choreography though... c'mon.
f ... r .... e ... e .... dollars ...
Lol
Lmfao same
They had 50 dollars on budget for this video, it was spent on Budweiser and weed
It's so fun to watch new ears and eyes getting into songs that I know too well. Do more :) !
I love watching my black brothers and sisters watching this video. Black betty is a beauuttttyyyyy. Love the video Jamel
That's a whole lot of talent in that backyard.
Do you hear that a lot?
I agree
More talent than some music videos today by far , just pure talent .
Not really they stole this song from Lead belly. What else is new?
@@buickjohnson7914 and he stole it from the chaingangers in the 1800's. What's your point,they all stoled...
When your dad says he was in a band back in the 70s.
One of the best comments EVER
LOL!
If that were the case your dad would most likelt be telling you this story while driving you in his mint 78 corvette because he was a successful artist
Well....not my dad but Myke Scavone the lead singer is my older brother :D
Eco Mouse
The lead singer in the video is Bill Bartlett. He can be found playing in another video.
I just watched this for like the 5th time haha... I think this is my favorite reactions of yours. Just smilin'.. thanks
Love your commentary. This is a great song, which I remember from back in the day. The backyard setup is both humorous and self-deprecating, in a good way! "Hey, we can make great music in the backyard!" Whoo Hoo, let's do it! Any, great vocals, killer guitar line....
This song is truly a JAM. No clue how everyone wasn't dancing as hard as the band.
There is no jamming in the sense of improvising in that performance.
I was!
The movie Blow with Johnny Depp...in the airport scene
Totally rocking out at work, good thing I'm at home!
Yes, this was a jam...and I'm "a white people", but I don't like to see white people dancing, anymore than I like to see them boxing...which is always at 3am for some reason, lol.
So I'm glad there wasn't a whole lawn full of embarrassing white people dancing.
And like I said, I'm a "white people" myself. But as much as I hate to say it...there's just some things we don't do well. Not after you have watched Soul Train a few times.
The lead singer was in the Lemon Pipers in the sixties..."My green Tambourine"
I didn't know that!
Not heard green tambourine in years!
@@doplinger1 Me neither.
His name is Bill Bartlett. Can't find any info on whatever happened to him or what he's doing lately. Just kind of disappeared it seems. Anyone know?
@@39thala I just googled his name. Some stuff there on him, including a story about his life now...or at least the story seems fairly new. www.orgs.miamioh.edu/projectoxford/wards1.htm
Jamal, I've watched several of your reviews. Really love your kind and intelligent energy and commentary, have subscribed, of course. Bless you, my friend!
This song make you want more. Great jam song. Your reaction is priceless.
this is exactly how we looked and dressed and hung out together...this is It!!!!!!!!!!
Us too, I had 4 uncles, all played music.
Even the freekin bikes...
Bridget Law Except there’s no beer can pyramid in the video.
So, I am old enough to remember when it first came out. The other day it got stuck in my head and I had ALEXA play it :) So here is the full history of the song. The chorus (oh Black Betty, Bamalam) has been around since the Revolutionary war (not Civil), however the lyrics changed many times over the years. It was originally a marching song. And they were singing about a musket that was painted black. It was manufactured in Birmingham, England. (it was then followed by Brown Bess) It may have been sung in the Civil war too. Next it reappears in 1933 sung by a 63 year old, James "Iron head" Baker who was in Prison on a chain gang. He was recorded in the field by US "musicologists" John and Alan Lomax. He performed a cappella with other convicts singing back up. The Lomaxes were recording for the Library of Congress. They recorded several versions. It was thought at that time that "Black Betty" was a whip used on the convicts. In 1939, LeadBelly re-recorded his own version and then finally in the early 1970's Bill Bartlett, a fan of LeadBelly, reworked the song and added two additional verses. He was the first guitarist of Ram Jam. He later left the band and took the song with him. His version of Black Betty is about whiskey/ moonshine. It was either Leadbelly or Bartlett that added the "down in Alabam". ( I think it was Bartlett, but not sure.) So there you have it!
Nice, thank you
Love hearing the history behind the song, thanks so much!
Thank you loveless, did not know the full history of the song. All I knew was the leadbelly version and the ram jam version. Thanks again!
Was used in the movie "Blow" with Johnny Depp.
Who Knew???
Dude, I listen to the songs you're reviewing and it takes me back to high school.
I love ❤ that song 🎵. Great musicianship too.
Great reaction
"Black Betty" was the name of a famous moonshine still. The reference to a child was another still made from parts of Black Betty. Apparently some of the parts had something wrong with them or some of the ingredients for the moonshine were bad and were reported to cause blindness in those that drank it.
How can a still have a child?
@@stevenpatterson6229 read what?
@@scotchmorrison2579 " another still made from parts of Black Betty "
@@stevenpatterson6229 ok cool, I will never listen to that song and not think of that.
Holy shit
I'm that guy in the back on the left. Contributing nothing but having a wild time.
He’s having a blast!
I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that dude is the actual lead singer who didn't have anything to do for the song, so he combined weird al with mick jagger...
Bullshit
You mean the one dancing and clapping his hands? Near the end of the video you can catch him singing.
@@peggyarnold4333 Yeah, I think he just jumps in on the chorus. Lmao
I just found your channel tonight. Your reactions are sometimes funny and always genuine. But your appreciation of music is awesome.
Never saw this video before but this song has captivated me (as well as millions of others) since the ‘70s whenever I heard it.
damn, this singer is playing the riff and the solo at the same time. What a legend
One of the most under-appreciated rock song of all-time!
WHO, UNDER appreciates this? ive never seen the like..
This JUST came up in my suggestion list and....I dang near spit my wine out when Jamel said the video probably costs, "FREE DOLLARS" 😂😂🤣🤣😭😭😭
thinking about your live session yesterday, this at 1.7 million views on day one. good for you mate, then again it is Black Betty ^^
2 minute song that still resonates 50 years later.
43 YEARS Came out In 1977,,
Unfortunately they were a one hit wonder but the song is legendary
Hey not gonna lie though the rest of the record slaps.
Bro, that whole album was the shit!
Legendary to who ?haha🤬
The song is a cover tho of an original slave song
@@FoxtaleHi Kind of
Takes me back to riding with my dad, in the 70's as a kid. He would go wild and slide all over the place listening to this!
One of the best ever dance songs in the world!!!
Enjoyed your reactions..
This song, believe it or not, is actually an old tune written by Leadbelly.
He made it famous way back when but im not sure he wrote it. They didn't record way back when and songs were passed down.
@@kristomat My bad. Leadbelly is given props because he got the song copywritten.
It's actually a folk song, black betty is a gun, most probably a black musket.
@@mackjeez A Black Betty was a black lacquered Brown Bess; a Standard Long Land Pattern .75 caliber smoothbore musket. Since it was a flintlock, it made the characteristic "bam-ba-lam" as it was set off. Both were, of course, named after Queen Elizabeth.
Leadbelly! Old school shit right there
Such a great track, a 70's masterpiece.
The Album had other cool songs on it,cant recall the titles though,lol
Leadbelly released this song in the 30's, which is probably why it slaps so hard. Props to Ram Jam for putting some sick energy on it.
This song was heavily featured in Johnny Depps 2001 movie “BLOW”, it was about the ex drug kingpin “Boston George”(rest in peace)
New sub here, truly nothing like old-school..love your channel and the memories ohhhh yea
This video proves:
A good song is a good song even in the backyard 😁
Claus Appel, and that AAmericans can dig some fantastic classic rock! One of their best songs, to me.
Producer: "Hey what budget do you need for the music video"
RJ: "200 bucks"
Producer: "How are you gonna make a music video with $200?"
RJ: "We're just gonna play the song in Steven's backyard"
Producer: "Well.... then what are the 200 bucks for?"
RJ: "Weed."
🤣
200 bucks well spend;)
Got me dying 🤣🤣
Classic little tale, Love It.
Free hundred. did you watch it. Come over my mama house
Always great to see somebody enjoying jams for the first time that I did some 40+ years earlier.
"Only thing I've got to say about that is I wish it was longer."
Okay, here's the longer version. This was recorded about two years earlier by singer Bill Bartlett's prior band Starstruck, and the Ram Jam version is in fact just an edited version of this recording. Bill Bartlett is the only person you see in the back yard video who actually played on the recording you hear.
ruclips.net/video/ihTqpNZQNwE/видео.html
They had to cut it short, mom was going to be hone in a few minutes. She said no friends over.
LOL
Hilarious.
John Ribby 😂😂😂
Ha ha ha brilliant comment
😂😂😂
Seeing your face when the dude first opened his mouth and sang was beautiful and priceless.
THE 70s were the BOMB ,, Heres some proof ,, 1977 Baby
That face made me forget the hell we are living in, even if just for a moment.
Over the years I love this song more & more🤘🏼🤟🏼
Can you imagine if that was your Gramma’s house, and all these years later everybody still seeing it! Cool!
Having grown up in the 70's all I can say is I miss the good ol' days.
Amen
Me, too! Freedom was AWESOME in the 70's. Kids could be kids back then. I got in trouble for singing this song in school, though. Uneducated educators thought it was racist and wouldn't listen to me, or to the only 2 black kids in school, who ALSO walked around singing this song. Lol
Kids, this was pre-MTV. No money was spent on music videos back then (when bands even had them).
They had to pay for film and development, though.
Hey, Thats a Les Paul Guitar the singer is Playing. Les Paul asked Gibson Guitar company to make for him. A lot of talented guitar players use This Les Paul Guitars. Rock On. Great job for this Jamel AKA Jamal Is doing (ALWAYS)
I played this quite it bit going through Mississippi and Alabama on a recent road trip. This is the anthem for driving fast in the South!
This is an Old Blues Song by "Leadbelly". My Father had The Original. I've always been into Blues. So He played the original for Me and I played the Remake by Ram Jam for Him. Dad loved it.
Leadbelly’s is the version I thought of automatically too.
Leadbelly I believe was a cover. This is the original, ruclips.net/video/tiCEVl_9-MM/видео.html
@@DanK3670 ruclips.net/video/lu7hBuhr-Ls/видео.html
Because you shared something cool, I'll reciprocate. Enjoy
The oldest recording of this song is from the chain gangs. The lyrics and name black betty date back even further. It's about a rifle if I remember correctly.
They got sued, and lost their ass even though they wrote 2 verses. It hit the charts even though it was banned on both coasts.
Welcome to 70s music, brother! Everyone is ugly as hell and plays their ass off 😂😂
Ugly by today's botox, silicone, dyed, solarium tanned, spray tanned standards. :P
😆😆
onsese joo true true
Unfortunately, that's why a lot of really good artists went away after music videos started to be a thing. Sadly, the mainstream wanted style over substance apparently.
Goji 84 too true man.
I really enjoyed your reaction to the song. Your energy is awesome ❤😂😅🫶🏼🙌🏽
Your reaction videos are my absolute fave!!!!☺️
This was an OLD blues tune, goes back to "Lead Belly" ( Huddie Ledbetter)
"Traditional"
it's even older ... got a version from like 1877 or something like that ^^+gg
Yes he needs to check out leadbelly! Its even older than him. A real old african American plantation song
@Andrew Cahall you can find "Traditional" versions of this song uploaded on RUclips.
@@drewsblues2001 Don't say "wrong" till you are sure you're right: 1 min 06 secs ruclips.net/video/SJUSGuNxt-4/видео.html
The 60s to the 90s. A thirty-year period of sheer musical godhood.
True
followed by 30 years of mostly musical garbage it seems, with a few exceptions
Yes.
@@SaxaphoneMan42 Sadly. My generation is mostly creatively bankrupt musically. >_>
There is the occasional exception like Casey Lee Wiliams for Alternative Rock, but Classic is just dead rn.
you have something against 50s music?!
Bro you are crushin it with these 😂
Never seen this before,awsome..wish it was longer though.
Hi from the U.K.