Bettye LaVette - Blackbirds

Blackbirds is a studio album by American soul and blues singer songwriter Bettye LaVette, released in August 2020 via Verve Records.

Bettye LaVette is an American soul singer-songwriter who made her first record at sixteen, but achieved only intermittent fame until 2005, with her album I've Got My Own Hell to Raise (2005). Her eclectic musical style combines elements of soul, blues, rock and roll, funk, gospel, and country music. In 2020 she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

Blackbirds features songs primarily popularized by women who were the "bridge she came across on." The album finds LaVette in top form with powerful renditions of songs that touched her personally. The album was produced by Steve Jordan.

From Dinah Washington's "Drinking Again," Nina Simone's "I Hold No Grudge" and more, they are all delivered in LaVette's rich and raspy tone.

Blackbirds honours LaVette's heritage as an R&B singer and the women who came before her.

This album is a limited edition on 180 gram black and grey coloured vinyl with a printed inner sleeve, pressed in Europe via Verve Records.