Betty Davis dies: Funk icon dies at 77

Funk singer Betty Davis passed away at the age of 77.

The singer’s friend, Danielle Maggio, confirmed the news to Rolling Stone on Wednesday (February 9).

Davis, ex-wife of jazz singer Miles davisdied of natural causes.

The singer is considered an icon of the funk genre, and is known for hits including “Get Ready for Betty”, “It’s My Life” and “If I’m in Luck I Might Get Picked Up”.

She also wrote songs for other artists, including the Chamber Brothers hit “Uptown (to Harlem)”.

The majority of Davis’ songs were released between 1964 and 1975. Her self-titled debut album appeared in 1973, with two other albums –They say I’m different and Nasty Gal –Followed in 1974 and 1975 respectively.

Davis was considered a forerunner who was underrated at the time.

The singer is also known for her provocative lyrics, which caused controversy when she wrote them to the point of being banned from performing her songs on US television.

After quitting the music industry in 1979, Davis moved to Pittsburgh and in 2018 she talked about her retirement to New York Times: “When I was told it was over, I just accepted it. And no one else has knocked on my door. “

Davis met Miles when she was a model in 1966. They married two years later, but separated the following year. Miles accused his wife of having an affair with Jimi Hendrix, something Davis always denied.

Her life was explored in the documentary Betty: They say I’m differentwas released in 2017.