"Black Betty" by Ram Jam.

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: This short-lived NYC band's only hit came in 1977 (#18 Billboard) with their adaptation of an 18th Century African-American marching cadence work song. Lead Belly's version was sung a capella - the song is often credited to him. Odetta covered it in '64. Still unclear as to whether the title refers to a girl, a flint-lock musket or a whip. Boycotted by the NAACP. Band? Song? Answer: "Black Betty" by Ram Jam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cn_woPvjQI&list=RD4cn_woPvjQI&start_radio=1