“There is no other”: Betty Davis, the ‘Queen of Funk’, dies at 77
Funk and soul legend Betty Davis has died at 77 years old.
Danielle Maggio, a friend of the music star and model, confirmed the news on Wednesday, as reported by Metro UK.
Maggio also took to Twitter to share the sad news, writing: “Devastated by the passing of my dear friend, pioneering songwriter, singer and producer, #BettyDavis.”
She confirmed that the “Queen of Funk” died peacefully, with “no pain or fear”.
“Knowing her was the greatest honour of my life,” Maggio wrote. “I love you, Betty. Your music and spirit will live on forever.”
Devastated by the passing of my dear friend, pioneering songwriter, singer and producer, #BettyDavis. There was no pain or fear as she left this physical world. Knowing her was the greatest honor of my life. I love you, Betty. Your music and spirit will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/8pZAK6nS0S
— Danielle Maggio (@saucequeen_pgh) February 9, 2022
Amie Downs, the communications director for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania - where Davis lived - told Rolling Stone the star died of natural causes.
In a statement on Wednesday, Davis’ longtime friend Connie Portis remembered the trailblazing singer as a “beloved member of her community”.
“It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Betty Davis, a multi-talented music influencer and pioneer rock star, singer, songwriter, and fashion icon,” Portis said.
“Most of all, Betty was a friend, aunt, niece, and beloved member of her community of Homestead, Pennsylvania, and of the worldwide community of friends and fans.”
Davis, born Betty Mabry in North Carolina, moved to New York, where her music career began.
She became known for her sexualised lyrics, rising to fame to produce hits like Get Ready for Betty, If I’m in Luck I Might Get Picked Up and It’s My Life.
Davis also wrote Uptown (to Harlem), which appeared on The Chamber Brother’s 1967 album The Time Has Come.
She released her self-titled first album in 1973, followed by They Say I’m Different in 1974 and Nasty Gal in 1975.
Davis was also known for being the second wife to jazz legend Miles Davis, who was 19 years older than her. The pair were wed in 1968 after being together for two years, but filed for divorce after just one year.
Though their marriage was brief, Davis still influenced her former husband’s music, appearing on the cover of his album Filles de Kilimanjaro and inspiring the track Mademoiselle Mabry (Miss Mabry).
Despite releasing her album in the same year, Davis left the music industry in 1975, moving to Pittsburgh to get away from the spotlight.
Her disappearance from the public eye didn’t stop her from gaining a cult following or continuing to inspire a new generation of artists. The renewed interest in her work resulted in the re-release of her albums in 2007, as well as the debut of her unreleased fourth album, which was recorded in 1976 and released under a new name in 2009.
Speaking to the New York Times in 2018 about her decision to retire, Davis said: “When I was told that it was over, I just accepted that. And nobody else was knocking at my door.”
During the same year, Davis released her first song in 40 years, titled A Little Bit Hot Tonight, which was performed by Maggio on Davis’ behalf.
Portis said a tribute would be made to “her beautiful, bold and brash persona” at a later date.
“Today we cherish her memory as the sweet, thoughtful, and reflective person she was… There is no other.”
Image: Getty Images