Known for her raunchy lyrics, gnarly vocals, and provocative performances, controversial funk queen Betty Davis mysteriously disappeared from the spotlight more than 30 years ago. With renewed public interest in her music, now she’s ready to tell her story in a new documentary making its U.S. premiere this Wednesday at New York City’s Billie Holiday Theatre. If you like kick-butt feminist powerhouses of raw energy and attitude, Betty is required listening. Thanks be to soul the library has all of her albums, but listed below are a few of my favorite songs.
Betty Davis Sampler
1. “Bottom of the Barrel” on Is It Love or Desire
2. “If I’m in Luck I Might Get Picked Up” on Betty Davis
3. “Don’t Call Her No Tramp” on They Say I’m Different
4. “Game is My Middle Name” on Betty Davis
5. “Git In There” on They Say I’m Different
6. “Stars Starve, You Know” on Is It Love or Desire
7. “It’s My Life” on The Columbia Years