Betty Everett facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Betty Everett
Background information
Birth name	Betty Jean Everett
Born	(1939-11-23)November 23, 1939 Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
Died	August 19, 2001(2001-08-19) (aged 61) Beloit, Wisconsin, U.S.
Genres	R&B, southern soul, country
Instruments	Voice, piano
Years active	1957–2000
Labels	Cobra, Vee-Jay, One-derful, Uni, Fantasy
Associated acts	The Impressions, Jerry Butler

Betty Jean Everett (born November 23, 1939 – died August 19, 2001) was an American soul singer and pianist. She became famous for her big hit song, "Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)". This song sold over a million copies! She was also known for her duet with Jerry Butler, "Let It Be Me".

Betty Everett's Life and Music

Early Musical Journey

Betty Everett was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, in the United States. Her parents were Catherine and Abel Everett. She started playing the piano and singing gospel music in church when she was just nine years old.

In 1957, Betty moved to Chicago, Illinois. She wanted to become a professional singer of popular music. She recorded songs for small local record companies in Chicago. Then, in 1963, she signed with a fast-growing company called Vee-Jay Records.

Her first song with Vee-Jay Records didn't become a hit. But her second song, a bluesy version of "You're No Good", almost reached the top 50 in the U.S.

Big Hits and Duets

Betty's next song, "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)", was her biggest solo success. It reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also hit number 1 on the Cashbox R&B chart for three weeks.

Other popular songs by Betty Everett included "I Can't Hear You" and "Getting Mighty Crowded". She also sang several duets with Jerry Butler. Their song "Let It Be Me" reached the top 5 in the U.S. in 1964. It was another number 1 hit on the Cashbox R&B chart.

After Vee-Jay Records closed in 1966, Betty recorded for other companies. These included ABC, Fantasy, and Uni. In 1969, she had another big hit with "There'll Come a Time". This song reached number 2 on the Billboard R&B chart. It also topped the Cashbox chart.

Even though she had other R&B hits like "It's Been a Long Time", her later songs didn't become as famous as her earlier ones. Her last recording was in 1980. Betty Everett won awards from BMI in 1964 and 1991 for her pop music. She also won a BMI R&B Award in 1964.

Later Years and Legacy

Betty Everett lived with her sister in South Beloit, Illinois, until she passed away. She was involved with the Rhythm & Blues Foundation and local churches.

In 1990, her famous song, "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)", was used in the movie Mermaids. The movie's star, Cher, also recorded her own version of the song. Cher's version became number 1 in the UK Singles Chart and was popular in Europe.

Betty Everett made her last public appearance in 2000 on a TV show called Doo Wop 51. She performed with her old singing partner, Jerry Butler. People loved their short reunion. Jerry Butler later wrote that Betty was an amazing singer who made everything seem easy.

Betty Everett passed away at her home in Beloit, Wisconsin, on August 19, 2001. She was 61 years old. She was honored in the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame in 1996.

Betty Everett's Music Albums and Songs

Here are some of the albums Betty Everett released during her career.

Studio Albums

Compilation Albums

These albums are collections of Betty Everett's songs.

• 1964: The Very Best of Betty Everett
• 1969: Betty Everett and the Impressions (with The Impressions)
• 1993: The Shoop Shoop Song
• 1995: The Fantasy Years
• 1998: Best of Betty Everett: Let It Be Me
• 2000: The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)

Singles

These are some of the individual songs Betty Everett released.

See also

In Spanish: Betty Everett para niños