Betty Willis (singer) facts for kids

Betty Jane Willis (born March 10, 1941 – died January 1, 2018) was an American soul singer from the 1960s. She was known for her powerful voice and her unique rhythm and blues style.

About Betty Willis

Betty Jane Willis was born on a farm in Mississippi. When she was just two years old, her family moved to Fresno, California. Later, in the early 1960s, she moved to Santa Ana. She started her singing career by performing in nightclubs around Los Angeles.

Her Music Career

Betty's talent quickly caught the attention of others. A singer named Bill Medley, who later became famous with The Righteous Brothers, heard about her. Betty and Bill even recorded a song together, though it was never officially released.

Her amazing voice and her connection to a famous recording studio, Gold Star Studios, got the notice of important music producers like Phil Spector and Leon Russell. In 1965, they helped Betty create a rhythm and blues version of a country song called "Act Naturally".

Betty also recorded several other songs as part of a duo called Betty and Ray, with Ray Lockhart. Her last known recording was in 1968.

Life After Music

Even though Betty Willis enjoyed singing, her daughter shared that Betty didn't really want to be part of the busy music industry. She preferred a simpler life. After her singing career, she briefly worked in a factory. Then, in the 1980s, she became a postal worker, delivering mail. She worked there for 37 years before she retired.

Her Later Years and Passing

Betty Willis passed away on January 1, 2018, when she was 76 years old.