Blackbirds is the Grammy-nominated tribute album by American soul legend Bettye LaVette, released on August 28, 2020, via Verve Records. Produced by Steve Jordan, this 9-track (40:17) collection honors iconic Black female vocalists who shaped her career—including Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Dinah Washington. LaVette’s gritty, weathered vocals redefine classics like Holiday’s "Strange Fruit" (a haunting anti-lynching anthem), Simone’s "I Hold No Grudge" (a soulful declaration of resilience), and Washington’s "Drinking Again" (a bluesy reflection on heartbreak). The album closes with a transformative take on The Beatles’ "Blackbird," recontextualizing its civil rights message through a Black female lens. Backed by a tight jazz ensemble (Smokey Hormel on guitar, Leon Pendarvis on keys), LaVette balances raw emotion with technical precision, earning a nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards. A deeply personal project, it stands as a powerful testament to the legacy of Black women in music while showcasing LaVette’s status as a living soul icon.

CD Bettye LaVette – Blackbirds CD (2020-08-28 Verve, Soul/Blues/Jazz, 9 Tracks, Grammy-Nominated, Female Pioneers Tribute)

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