Betty Davis

Betty Davis, a pioneering funk vocalist, songwriter, and producer, embodied artistic and sexual liberation. Her uncompromising and ahead-of-its-time work, notably her self-titled debut and albums like "They Say I'm Different" and "Nasty Gal," had a profound impact on artists from Miles Davis to Beyoncé. Despite little commercial success initially, Davis' influence endured, with her music remaining unreleased for decades before finding a wider audience.

Born Betty Mabry in North Carolina, Davis transitioned from modeling to music in the 1960s, debuting as a songwriter and performer. Her marriage to Miles Davis influenced his music and image, leading her to create innovative funk albums in the 1970s with collaborations from notable musicians. Davis' legacy was further solidified with the release of a documentary about her life in 2017 and the posthumous unveiling of her final recordings, showcasing her lasting impact on the music world.