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

Beth Ditto, born Mary Beth Patterson on February 19, 1981, is an American singer and songwriter. She is best known as the lead singer of the indie rock band Gossip.

Her powerful voice has been compared to famous singers like Etta James and Tina Turner. After Gossip, she started a solo music career and also worked in fashion. In 2022, she acted in the TV show Monarch. Gossip got back together two years later.

Life and Music Career

Beth Ditto grew up in Arkansas in the southern United States. She lived with her mother and six siblings: two older brothers, an older sister, two younger brothers, and a younger sister. When she was 13, she moved out of her mother's house to live with her aunt.

In 1999, she moved to Olympia, Washington. Later, in 2003, she moved to Portland, Oregon, where she lived for many years. When she was 18, she discovered bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

Gossip Band and Solo Work

Ditto was the lead singer of the band Gossip from when it started in 1999 until it broke up in 2016. She also worked on other music projects. In 2008, she sang on a charity song called "Consequences." In 2009, she sang on the song "Cruel Intentions" by Simian Mobile Disco.

In 2011, she released her own four-song collection called Beth Ditto EP. This EP was produced by James Ford. She also sang on Blondie's song "A Rose by Any Name" in 2013. Her solo music is often described as soulful dance music. It is inspired by 1980s disco and pop songs.

Ditto at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival

Advocacy and Fashion

Beth Ditto is known for supporting body positivity. She has been photographed as a model many times. She is also known for her energetic stage performances and unique style. She sees herself as a punk artist. She has said that Cyndi Lauper and Boy George are big influences on her.

From 2007 to 2008, Ditto wrote an advice column for The Guardian newspaper. It was called 'What would Beth Ditto do?' and focused on body image.

In 2009, Ditto launched her first clothing collection for a store called Evans. This collection was for plus-size women. She designed the clothes herself, taking ideas from her favorite vintage clothes and bands like Blondie. Her second collection for Evans came out in 2010 and was very popular around the world.

In 2010, she opened and closed the Jean Paul Gaultier fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. In 2012, Ditto worked with MAC Cosmetics to create her own makeup collection.

Books and Acting

In 2012, Beth Ditto released her life story book called Coal to Diamonds. She wrote it with Michelle Tea. The book received good reviews.

In 2016, Ditto confirmed that Gossip had split up. She wanted to focus on her fashion career and her solo music. In 2018, Ditto started acting in movies. Her first film was Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot. The next year, she was cast in the TV series On Becoming a God in Central Florida. In 2022, she played Gigi Taylor-Roman in the TV show Monarch.

Personal Life

In July 2013, Beth Ditto married her best friend, Kristin Ogata, in Maui, Hawaii. They both wore white for the wedding. Ditto wore a dress by Jean Paul Gaultier and went barefoot.

In December 2014, they legally married in their home state of Oregon. They had to wait until same-sex marriage became legal there to make their marriage official.

In March 2018, Ditto shared that she and Kristin had separated. She then started dating musician Ted Kwo.

Books

Books by Ditto

• Coal to Diamonds: A Memoir Co-written with Michelle Tea.
  • New York, NY: Spiegel & Grau, 2012. ISBN: 978-0385525916. Hardback.
  • London: Simon & Schuster UK, 2012. ISBN: 978-1847372161. Hardback.
  • London: Simon & Schuster UK, 2013. ISBN: 978-1847392466. Paperback.

Books with contributions by Ditto

• Riot Grrrl: Revolution Girl Style Now! by Nadine Monem. London: Black Dog Publishing, 2007. ISBN: 978-1-906155-01-8. Ditto wrote an introduction for this book.

Music Albums and Songs

Ditto performing with Gossip

Albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Songs performed on Monarch

• "Family Tradition" (with Joshua Sasse, Anna Friel and Iñigo Pascual)
• "How Do I Live" (with Anna Friel)
• "The Card You Gamble" (with Anna Friel)
• "Juice"
• "God Knows"
• "Always on My Mind" (with Trace Adkins)

Filmography

Awards and Nominations

• 2006 – NME – Cool List – Won
• 2007 – Stonewall Awards – Hero of the Year – Nominated
• 2007 – NME Awards – ... Woman of the Year – Nominated
• 2007 – Virgin Media Music Awards – Legend of the Year – Nominated
• 2008 – Glamour Awards – International Artist of the Year – Won
• 2017 – Gay Music Chart Awards – Best Lyric Video for "In and Out" – Nominated

See also

In Spanish: Beth Ditto para niños