Betty Davis, born Betty Mabry in 1945, is an American singer known for her contribution to the funk genre. She spent her early years in North Carolina near Pittsburgh. While staying on her grandmother’s farm, she developed a deep appreciation for blues music, listening to artists such as B.B. King, Elmore James, and Jimmy Reed. At just 12 years old, she wrote her first song, titled “I’m Going to Bake That Cake of Love.”
At the age of 16, Davis moved to New York City and enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she lived with her aunt. Immersing herself in the vibrant culture of Greenwich Village during the 1960s, she was drawn to the emerging folk music scene. She frequently visited The Cellar, a trendy uptown club popular among young, fashionable individuals involved in the arts, including singers, actors, and design students.
During this time, she began DJing at The Cellar, using the opportunity to engage with influential figures in the creative community. Her striking appearance and distinct style led to a successful modeling career, with appearances in Glamour, Ebony, and Seventeen magazines.
While living in New York, Davis developed friendships with musicians like Sly Stone and Jimi Hendrix. Her passion for singing deepened after connecting with soul singer Lou Courtney, who helped her produce her first single, “The Cellar.” She secured her first live performance gig at Uptown in Harlem, opening for the Chambers Brothers. Although her 1967 album gained some success, her modeling commitments often conflicted with her ability to fully pursue her music career.
Despite her achievements in modeling, Davis found the industry unfulfilling. She later remarked that modeling emphasized looks over intellect and had limited longevity.
Betty Davis met renowned jazz trumpeter Miles Davis in 1967, and the two married in 1968. Though their marriage lasted just one year, Betty had a lasting influence on Miles’s musical direction and image. She introduced him to contemporary musical icons like Sly Stone and Jimi Hendrix, shifting his awareness toward funk and rock. Miles later credited her with shaping the future of his musical style.
Miles’s 1968 album, Filles de Kilimanjaro, featured a track titled “Mademoiselle Mabry” in her honor, and her image appeared on the album's cover.
Their marriage dissolved amid rumors that Betty and Hendrix were romantically involved—an allegation Betty has consistently denied. When reflecting on the relationship, she has said that she was “too young and too wild” for Miles. Following the divorce, she relocated to London, where she continued modeling and wrote new songs. She returned to the United States in 1972 to begin recording those compositions.
Betty Davis became a controversial figure in the music industry due to her candid and sexually empowered lyrics. Songs such as “If I’m Lucky I Might Get Picked Up” faced resistance from mainstream radio stations, limiting the album's commercial exposure. While her groundbreaking contributions to funk helped pave the way for future generations of female artists, details regarding her net worth and modeling income remain undisclosed.
| Birth Date: | 26 Jul, 1945 |
| Age: | 74 yrs |
| Occupations: | Singer Singer-songwriter Composer Songwriter Model |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Durham |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American singer |
| Spouse: | Miles Davis[1968-1969] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 2 million |
