Harold Betters facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harold Betters
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Harold Betters in 1964
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| Background information | |
| Born | March 21, 1928 Connellsville, Pennsylvania |
| Died | October 11, 2020 (aged 92) |
| Genres | Jazz, funk, easy listening |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Trombone |
Harold Betters (born March 21, 1928 – died October 11, 2020) was a talented American musician. He was famous for playing the trombone in jazz music.
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Harold Betters' Early Life and Learning
Harold Betters was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Pittsburgh. His parents owned a place called Betters' Grill and Hotel.
Harold loved music from a young age. He studied music education at Ithaca College for two years. Later, he joined the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he continued his music studies. He spent a year at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.
His Music Career
In 1952, Harold Betters moved to Boston. There, he met his wife, Marjorie. He started touring with famous artists. He played with Dick Gregory and with the Ray Charles big band. They even performed at the famous Apollo Theatre.
After touring, Harold started his own music group. It was called his quartet. His brother, Jerry Betters, played the drums in this group. John Thomas played the piano.
Returning to Pittsburgh
In the early 1960s, Harold moved back to Pittsburgh with his family. He became a session musician. This means he played music for recordings and other artists. He also performed at the Crawford Grill. There, he played with many jazz legends. These included Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Roy Eldridge, and Sonny Rollins.
Harold also played in a group with his two brothers. His brother Jimmy played the trumpet. Sometimes, Harold would even join a parade with Jimmy's marching band.
Harold Betters had a special way of playing the trombone. His style was similar to other great trombonists. These included Trummy Young and Bennie Green.
In 1964, one of his songs became very popular. The song was "Do Anything You Wanna, (Pt. 1)". It reached number 74 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This was his only song to appear on that chart.
Personal Life
Harold Betters passed away on October 11, 2020. He was 92 years old.
Discography
Here are some of the albums Harold Betters released:
- At the Encore (1962)
- Takes Off (1963)
- Even Better (1964)
- Meets Slide Hampton (1964)
- The Big Horn (H.B. Records)
- Swingin' on the Railroad (1965)
- Ram-bunk-shush (1965)
- Do Anything You Wanna (1966)
- Out of Sight and Sound (1966)
- Funk City Express (1966)
- Jazz Showcase (1977)
- With Friends, Live in New York (2001)
