Ram Jam

Ram Jam was a band consisting of Bill Bartlett, Peter Charles, Myke Scavone, and Howie Arthur Blauvelt. Their hit song "Black Betty" stirred controversy upon its release by Epic in 1977, reaching number 18 on the Billboard pop chart despite calls for boycott from Civil Rights groups. The band released two albums, with Blauvelt later joining Spitball before his passing, commemorated by Billy Joel during live performances of "We Didn't Start the Fire."

In the '90s, a remix of "Black Betty" brought international success to the producers. Ram Jam had a brief but impactful career, with Bartlett having ties to the band Starstruck, who released a version of "Black Betty" prior to Ram Jam's rendition. Blauvelt's legacy lives on through his work with Spitball and the tribute paid by Billy Joel during his live shows.