There is one testimonial about Betty Davis that is universal: she was a woman ahead of her time. In our contemporary moment, this may not be as self-evident as it was thirty years ago we live in an age thats been profoundly changed by flamboyant flaunting of female sexuality: from Parlet to Madonna, Lil Kim to Kelis. Yet, back in 1973 when Betty Davis first showed up in her silver go-go boots, dazzling smile and towering Afro, who could you possibly have compared her to? Marva Whitney had the voice but not the independence. Labelle wouldnt get sexy with their Lady Marmalade for another year while Millie Jackson wasnt Feelin Bitchy until 1977. Even Tina Turner, the most obvious predecessor to Bettys fierce style wasnt completely out of Ikes shadow until later in the decade.

Ms. Daviss unique story, still sadly mostly unknown, is unlike any other in popular music. Betty wrote the song Uptown for the Chambers Brothers before marrying Miles Davis in the late 60s, influencing him with psychedelic rock, and introducing him to Jimi Hendrix personally inspiring the classic album Bitches Brew. But her songwriting ability was way ahead of its time as well. Betty not only wrote every song she ever recorded and produced every album after her first, but the young woman penned the tunes that got The Commodores signed to Motown. The Detroit label soon came calling, pitching a Motown songwriting deal, which Betty turned down. Motown wanted to own everything. Heading to the UK, Marc Bolan of T. Rex urged the creative dynamo to start writing for herself. A common thread throughout Bettys career would be her unbending Do-It-Yourself ethic, which made her quickly turn down anyone who didnt fit with the vision. She would eventually say no to Eric Clapton as her album producer, seeing him as too banal. In 1973, Davis would finally kick off her cosmic career with an amazingly progressive hard funk and sweet soul self-titled debut. Davis showcased her fiercely unique talent and features such gems as If Im In Luck I Might Get Picked Up and Game Is My Middle Name. The album Betty Davis was recorded with Sly & The Family Stones rhythm section, sharply produced by Sly Stone drummer Greg Errico, and featured backing vocals from Sylvester and the Pointer Sisters.