Leadbelly- Black Betty

"Black Betty" (Roud 11668) 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.

There are numerous recorded versions, including a cappella and folk. The song was eventually, with modified lyrics, remade as a rock song by the American band Ram Jam in 1977. Subsequent recordings, including hits by Tom Jones and Spiderbait, retain the structure of this version.

The origin and meaning of the lyrics are subject to debate. Historically, the "Black Betty" of the title may refer to the nickname given to a number of objects: a bottle of whiskey, a whip, or a penitentiary transfer wagon.

[alainemajor]

Back in the 60's my sister and I did the college circuit hootenannys. We sang "Black Girl" as part of our act. He's the real deal.

[BaarBear]

I grew up with the Ramjam cover but this is the first time I've heard the Leadbelly original-or version as the case may be.