*Before reconfiguring and relocating to New York City, Ram Jam's principial members were part of a Cinncinatti, Ohio band named Starstruck. *It was Starstruck who in 1975 recorded a rocking rendition of "Black Betty," an African American wok first recorded in an adaptation by James "Iron Head" Baker (originally about a kind of musket, not a woman), later recorded by folk/blues singer Leadbelly (alternately Lead Belly, born Huddie Ledbetter). But the Starstruck leader who formed Ram Jam with other musicians in NYC brought their "Betty" to producers... *Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz, best known for their late '60's work with (quasi-) kiddie-oriented' bubblegum rock acts such as Ohio Express and 1910 Fruitgum Company *The "Betty" released by Ram Jam, which became a US top 20 pop hit in 1977 (and more popular in other markets), isn't a rerecording of Starstruck's iteration, but a reedited rearrangement. Regardless the version, it reminds me some of the wilder side of Southern boogie rock of the time, like that of Black Oak Arkansas, but with more of a punk energy. *Apparently, at least in the U.S., some feminist and African-American groups protested Ram Jam's "Black Betty," perceiving it as disrespectful of the constituencies they supposedly represented (also, an aunt of mine HATED it!). *My impression of Ram Jam being anywhere in the vicinity of punk rock may stem from q)a summer 1977 Time Magazine feature about punk rock featuring a picture of a Ram Jam concert attendee holding up a sign referencing "Betty," and b) both the 'Jam and '70's NYC punk band Tuff Darts both recorded "All For he Love Of Rock N' Roll" for their respective debut albums. *Though it has the wonderful pun of a title Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Ram and funny Rembrandt-ripping cover art to match, Ram, Jam's sophomore album wasn't enough to extend their success, and they broke up not long after its release. Were you aware of any of the above about Ram Jam?