Episode notes

The album: Betty Davis: They Say I’m Different (Just Sunshine, 1974)

This was one the pilot episodes we recorded in the spring and when we left the taping, we turned to one another and knew this show had potential.

The pairing of artist and album came from Morgan and it was inspired: the undersung Betty Davis, one of the most original and fascinating figures of the 1970s, being feted by future soul artist and Dungeon Family-affiliate Joi, an artist very much cut from Betty’s cloth but a generation later. We had a fantastic conversation about the importance and uniqueness of Betty and what she’s meant, especially, to waves of Black women artists who’ve followed in her path in the 40+ years since.

On a personal note, this also meant a lot to Oliver because he’s written three sets of liner notes on Betty Davis albums (including They Say I’m Different) and interviewed her extensively as part of that. He forever holds a torch for her.

More on Betty Davis:

More on Joi:

Tracklisting: