Video Vault - 1977

In the year of Star Wars, a great Southern rock classic was released by a group specifically because for this song.  Ram Jam was born to play "Black Betty."  Black Betty is an old early 20th century African-American work song, most likely about a musket.  What Ram Jam does with it, is turn it into  a mystery with gongs, double guitar leads, and a scorching solo.  You can hear Ram Jam rip off Dickie Betts, Lynryd Skynyrd, even Edgar Winter in this version.

What is most striking is the video.  This looks like it was filmed in my neighborhood, by some guys on a Saturday afternoon who parked their bikes in the yard, took out their equipment and decided to lip sync a video.  The lead singer looks like he is wearing a Star Trek Next Generation shirt, while we have a guy in the band (far left) who's only job is to dance around.  Is he the original hype man?

Also look for the random things like the girl dancing with the cup of coffee, or the kid going into the house while filming.  Priceless - ram-a-lam!