Bettye LaVette: An Iconic Journey
Bettye LaVette signed with Atlantic Records in the ninth grade and toured with music legends like Ben E. King and Otis Redding long before her legal drinking age. Now 72, her career has evolved from a country music background through R&B and beyond. Her remarkable journey includes performing British rock songs at the Kennedy Center, singing at Obama’s inauguration, and receiving a GRAMMY nomination for Best Blues Album in 2015. Recently, she signed with Verve Records to produce an album showcasing her powerful interpretation of Bob Dylan songs, titled Things Have Changed, which will be released this Friday—you can pre-order it today.
Interpreting Bob Dylan
In a recent conversation with Americana Highways, LaVette discussed her feelings about recording Bob Dylan’s music. She remarked, “Bob Dylan is a troubadour, but I sing his songs with a Rhythm and Blues flair. Initially, I thought it would be simple to just sing the lyrics, but there are so many words—about 100 in each verse. Dylan often revisits his stories, which inspired me to choose the strongest verses and interpret them through the lens of my experience as a Black woman.”
Transforming the Material
LaVette elaborated on the creative process, saying, “Once I tailored the songs to suit my style, I really enjoyed them and felt they became a part of me, adding attitude to these compelling narratives.” She acknowledged the challenge of syncing Dylan’s phrases with her vocal style, humorously noting how Dylan hints at emotions she explicitly expresses.
Understanding and Collaboration
To transform Dylan’s originals into her interpretations, LaVette focused first on deciphering the meaning behind the lyrics. She wrote down the words, condensed them to a singable format, and collaborated closely with her music director to record the songs. She affectionately called Steve Jordan “the Bettye whisperer” for his ability to interpret her vision to the rest of the musicians.
Past Collaborations
LaVette previously explored Americana and alt-country with the Drive-By Truckers from 2007 to 2009 while creating her album Scene of the Crime, which earned a Blues Album of the Year nomination in 2008. Reflecting on her time with the Truckers, she humorously recalled the initial challenges and emphasized how mutual respect made collaboration smooth.
Advice on Longevity in Music
LaVette shared two crucial pieces of advice for sustaining a music career. Firstly, she recalled her manager advising her to prioritize her vocal health. Secondly, she stressed the importance of balancing performance and personal life, highlighting that staying grounded and maintaining relationships can contribute to longevity in the industry.
Celebrating New Accomplishments
As LaVette gears up for her album launch, she reflected on her musical journey over the decades and expressed excitement about being with Verve Records, which also owns Motown. Her conversations are filled with laughter and rich stories that captivate her audience. Don’t miss out—be sure to grab her new album, which promises to be exceptional.
