The band Ram Jam consisted of Bill Bartlett, former lead guitarist of the Lemon Pipers, Peter Charles (drummer), Myke Scavone (lead singer), and Howie Arthur Blauvett, who had previously sung with Billy Joel in the Hassles and El Primo. Their single “Black Betty” became a controversial hit, reaching number 18 on Billboard’s pop chart in September 1977 despite protests from civil rights groups. The recording was initiated by Bartlett and producers Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz. Prior to Ram Jam’s version, Starstruck had released a different version of the song which received less recognition. In the early ’90s, a remix of “Black Betty” gave the band international success. Ram Jam released two albums, “Ram Jam” (1977) and “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Ram” (1978), with Epic issuing three singles by the group. Howie Arthur Blauvelt later joined Spitball and performed with them until his passing. Billy Joel pays tribute to Blauvelt during his live performances by dedicating the song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” to him.