Beth Ditto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Beth Ditto
Ditto performing in 2018
Background information
Birth name	Mary Beth Patterson
Born	(1981-02-19) February 19, 1981 (age 44) Searcy, Arkansas, U.S.
Origin	Judsonia, Arkansas, U.S.
Died	Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day
Genres	Indie rock, post-punk, synthpop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter actress
Years active	1999–present (singer) 2016–present (actress)
Labels	Virgin
Associated acts	Gossip

Mary Beth Patterson (born February 19, 1981), known by her stage name Beth Ditto, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is famous for being the lead singer of the indie rock band Gossip. People have said her powerful voice sounds like famous singers Etta James and Janis Joplin.

After Gossip stopped making music for a while, Ditto worked in the fashion world and started a solo music career. In 2022, she acted in the TV show Monarch as the country singer Gigi Roman. Two years later, in 2024, the band Gossip got back together.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Beth Ditto was born in Searcy, Arkansas, and grew up with her mother and six siblings. As a teenager, she moved to live with her aunt. Later, she moved to Olympia, Washington, and then to Portland, Oregon.

When she was 18, she discovered bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Siouxsie and the Banshees, which influenced her own music.

Music Career

The Band Gossip

In 1999, Ditto helped form the band Gossip and was its lead singer. The band became known for its energetic punk and dance music. They were together until 2016, when Ditto decided to focus on other projects. However, the band reformed in 2024 to make new music.

Solo Work and Collaborations

Besides her work with Gossip, Ditto has worked on many other music projects.

• In 2008, she sang on a charity song called "Consequences" with other artists.
• In 2009, she was the singer on the Simian Mobile Disco track "Cruel Intentions".
• In 2011, she released her own solo record, the Beth Ditto EP.
• In 2013, she sang with the band Blondie on their song "A Rose by Any Name".

Her solo music is often described as soulful dance music, inspired by 1980s pop and R&B.

Activism and Fashion

Ditto at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival

Ditto is known for her support of feminist and LGBT causes. She is a strong supporter of body positivity, which means encouraging people to feel good about their bodies, no matter their size.

She has often appeared in magazines as a model, challenging common ideas about beauty. In 2007, she wrote an advice column for The Guardian newspaper about body image.

Ditto has also worked in fashion.

• In 2009, she launched a clothing line for plus-size women with the retailer Evans. She drew inspiration from her favorite vintage clothes and bands like Blondie.
• In 2010, she modeled for the famous designer Jean Paul Gaultier during Paris Fashion Week.
• In 2012, she worked with MAC Cosmetics to create her own makeup collection.

Acting and Writing

Ditto is also an actress and an author. In 2012, she released a book about her life called Coal to Diamonds.

She began her film acting career in 2018 in the movie Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot. She has also appeared in TV shows, including On Becoming a God in Central Florida and Monarch.

Personal Life

In July 2013, Ditto married her partner Kristin Ogata in Hawaii. They officially and legally married in their home state of Oregon in December 2014. In 2018, Ditto announced that she and Ogata had separated.

Discography

Albums

Extended Plays

Singles

Filmography

Awards and Nominations

• 2006 – NME – Cool List – Won
• 2007 – Stonewall Awards – Hero of the Year – Nominated
• 2008 – Glamour Awards – International Artist of the Year – Won

Images for kids

• 

  Ditto performing with Gossip

• 

  Ditto at the Roskilde Festival in 2012

See also

In Spanish: Beth Ditto para niños