Betty McGlown facts for kids

Betty McGlown-Travis (born June 30, 1941 – died January 12, 2008) was an American singer. She was a member of a group called The Primettes. This group later became very famous as The Supremes.

Betty McGlown's Early Music Career

In 1959, Betty McGlown started dating Paul Williams. He was a singer in a group called The Primes. Around this time, the manager for The Primes, Milton Jenkins, was looking for girls. He wanted to create a sister group to The Primes.

He found Florence Ballard. Florence then asked her friends to join. She quickly asked Mary Wilson. Paul Williams, from The Primes, asked Diana Ross to join. Because Betty was dating Paul, she became the last person to join the new group, The Primettes.

The girls, along with their guitarist Marv Tarplin, performed for Berry Gordy. He was impressed by their talent. However, he told them they were too young for the music business. He encouraged them to finish school first.

Recordings with The Primettes

Betty McGlown sang background vocals on two songs for Lu Pine Records. She sang on "Pretty Baby" with Mary Wilson singing lead. She also sang on "Tears of Sorrow" with Diana Ross singing lead. These are the only known recordings where Betty McGlown's voice can be heard. However, her voice does not stand out by itself in either song.

All four members of The Primettes sang lead parts when they performed live on stage. But only the other three members had lead vocals on their studio recordings.

Life After The Primettes

Betty McGlown left The Primettes in 1960. She decided to focus on her new marriage. She became Mrs. Betty Travis. After she left, another singer named Barbara Martin joined the group in the same year.

Betty McGlown-Travis passed away in January 2008. She was 66 years old. She died from diabetes at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.