Betty Davis dead — Queen of Funk and Miles Davis' ex-wife dies aged 77

Betty had been married to well-known musician Miles Davis — who was 19 years her senior — and, over the course of her music career, released hit songs like Get Ready for Betty, It’s My Life, If I’m In Luck I Might Get Picked Up between 1964 and 1975.

Miles and Betty were only married for a year.

Despite having been on the music scene for a while, Betty didn’t drop her debut album, titled Betty Davis, until 1973 for Woodstock promoter Michael Lang’s Just Sunshine Records.

The singer’s friend Danielle Maggio confirmed her death to Rolling Stone, while Amie Downs, communications director for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where Davis resided, revealed that her she passed away from natural causes.

Another of Betty’s friends, Connie Portis, released a statement in the wake of her passing.

“It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Betty Davis, a multi-talented music influencer and pioneer rock star, singer, songwriter, and fashion icon,” she said.

Getty Singer Betty Davis has passed away aged 77

She added: “Most of all, Betty was a friend, aunt, niece, and beloved member of her community of Homestead, Pennsylvania, and of the worldwide community of friends and fans. At a time to be announced, we will pay tribute to her beautiful, bold, and brash persona. Today we cherish her memory as the sweet, thoughtful, and reflective person she was…There is no other.”

Light in the Attic Records’ founder Matt Sullivan, who had Betty on its books, also expressed his sadness at the singer’s passing.

He said: “Our hearts are incredibly heavy today. Betty has been the guiding light in everything we do at Light in the Attic. Her unbending DIY ethic and groundbreaking spirit will live on forever. We are going to miss her so much.”

Funk fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the late star.

Getty Miles and Betty Davis were married for a year

One person wrote: “What a voice! A powerhouse! She was way ahead of her time! RIP #BettyDavis”.

Another said: “Rest In Peace Betty Davis. Thank you for so much that was fresh and fierce.”

“R.I.P. #BettyDavis, ahead of her time and fierce, an Afroinspirational I looked to when I came into my own,” penned a third. 

Reference: Niamh Shackleton