Date of Birth: May 16, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: September 26, 1998
Biography
Betty Carter, born Lillie Mae Jones, was a seminal American jazz singer known for her improvisational prowess, unique vocal style, and the ability to scat sing with incredible agility. She was born on May 16, 1929, in Flint, Michigan, and grew up in Detroit, where she was exposed to a rich musical environment. Betty Carter’s career began in the 1940s when she joined Lionel Hampton’s band. Over the years, she developed a reputation for her powerful live performances and her commitment to maintaining artistic control over her music. She established her own record label, Bet-Car Records, in the 1960s, which allowed her to produce music that stayed true to her vision. Betty’s career spanned over five decades, during which she collaborated with numerous jazz greats and inspired countless musicians. She passed away on September 26, 1998, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence in jazz.
5 Interesting Facts about Betty Carter
1. Betty Carter was known for her exceptional skill in scat singing and improvisation, often considered one of the best in jazz history.
2. She won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female for her album “Look What I Got!” in 1988.
3. Carter was a dedicated mentor to young jazz musicians and often took them on tour to provide real-world experience.
4. She founded her own record label, Bet-Car Records, in the 1960s to gain creative control over her music.
5. During her career, she performed with legends like Miles Davis, Ray Charles, and Sonny Rollins.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Betty Carter
1. “I don’t care how famous a man is. He can’t be as famous as a woman.”
2. “Jazz is the freest music in the world.”
3. “When you hear me sing, you hear a singer who is completely in control of her music.”
4. “I’m not interested in the commercial aspect of music. I’m interested in the music.”
5. “I sing as an expression of my own voice, my own feelings, and my own soul.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Betty Carter was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Betty Carter had two sons, Myles and Kagle Turrentine. She balanced her career and motherhood, often bringing her children on tour with her.
Relevant Links
1. [Betty Carter – Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Betty-Carter
2. [Betty Carter – Grammy Awards](https://www.grammy.com/artists/betty-carter/15727
3. [Betty Carter – AllMusic Profile](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/betty-carter-mn0000055335
4. [Betty Carter – NPR Music](https://www.npr.org/artists/15317026/betty-carter
5. [Betty Carter – JazzTimes Obituary](https://jazztimes.com/archives/betty-carter-dies-at-69/
