Bettye LaVette: Raisin’ Hell In Oakland
The 68-year-old Detroit-raised soul singer howled, strutted, and delivered a powerhouse performance tonight at Yoshi’s. She’s an “overnight sensation,” but jokingly told the audience that it took her 52 years to get there.
In the fall of 1962, Bettye LaVette made her first record, “My Man – He’s a Lovin’ Man,” at sixteen. Unfortunately, her hopes of singing it on American Bandstand were dashed when the producers considered it too suggestive. She fared better in the Bay Area in 1965 with “Let Me Down Easy,” a number-one hit made popular on KDIA-AM.
LaVette spent decades in the business, although much of it was in obscurity. It wasn’t until 2002 that LaVette finally experienced a resurgence in her music, thanks to John Goddard, owner of Mill Valley’s Village Music, who helped her secure a record deal.
Bettye LaVette. Photo: Steve Roby
Since then, she’s been nominated for two Grammys, sang for President Barack Obama, and impressed Roger Daltry and Pete Townshend with her stunning rendition of "Love Reign O'er Me" at The Kennedy Center Honors in tribute to The Who.
Tonight’s show almost felt like a hometown gig for LaVette, with Goddard, her grandson, and several other supporters (whom she affectionately calls “booking agents”) in the crowd. The audience also acknowledged her talent with several standing ovations.
LaVette's 90-minute set featured fiery renditions of George Harrison’s “Isn’t It a Pity,” Bob Seeger’s “Like a Rock,” and a silky smooth interpretation of Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.”
For an encore, Lavette ended with a soulful a cappella version of “I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got,” a perfect close to a night filled with memorable moments.
Listen to a backstage interview with Bettye LaVette. We discuss her upcoming CD called Worthy, a priceless moment at a London nightclub, and advice for new singers.
Program Notes
Bettye LaVette
August 15, 2014
Yoshi’s, Oakland
Musicians: Darryl Pierce (drums), James Simonson (bass), Alan Hill (Music director, keyboards), Brett Lucas (guitar).
Set List: The Stealer | Everything Is Broken | Isn't It a Pity | Yesterday Is Here | They Call It Love | Joy | The More I Search (The More I Die) | Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood | Serves Him Right | Like a Rock | My Man | Love Reign O'er Me | I've Got My Own Hell to Raise
Encore: I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got
Photos: Steve Roby
