Betty Carter Remembered

Dee Dee McNeil

since 2006

Dee Dee McNeil is a published songwriter/poet/playwright and freelance journalist.

Recent articles (6 total)

Published: May 13, 2006

Today, Betty Carter's prophetic opinions are consumer available. Progress has been made, especially by the BET (Black Entertainment Television) Jazz Cable Network. She must be up there smiling down on us, pleased that her creative idea of incorporating jazz into popular videos has become a marketing reality.

Even now, I wonder how she did it all! In a world dominated by male musicians and record executives, staying true to herself had to be a great sacrifice. At a time when she was using her voice as an instrument, instead of settling to become another polished nightclub singer, she made a conscious decision to go against the grain. The world is blessed that Betty Carter worked and struggled to bring us the best of herself. The Carter recordings remain an extraordinary and musical jazz inspiration. Surely she will always be remembered as a volatile, outspoken, opinionated and strong female artist; one who was not afraid to explore the universe of her voice and the outer-limits of her creativity.

Selected Discography:

Lionel Hampton, 1949-1950 (Classics, 2001)
Betty Carter, I'm Yours, You're Mine (Verve, 1996)
Betty Carter, Feed the Fire (Verve, 1993)
Betty Carter, It's Not About the Melody (Verve, 1992)
Betty Carter, Droppin' Things (Verve, 1990)
Betty Carter, Look What I Got (Verve, 1988)
Carmen McCrae/Betty Carter, Carmen McRae-Betty Carter Duets (Great American Music Hall, 1987) Betty Carter, What Happened to Love (Verve, 1982)
Betty Carter, The Audience with Betty Carter (Verve, 1979)
Betty Carter, Now It's My Turn (Roulette, 1976)
Betty Carter, The Betty Carter Album (Verve, 1972)
Betty Carter, At the Village Vanguard (Verve, 1970)
Betty Carter, Finally (Roulette, 1969)
Betty Carter, Inside Betty Carter (United Artists, 1964)
Betty Carter, 'Round Midnight (Atco, 1963)
Ray Charles/Betty Carter, Ray Charles and Betty Carter (ABC, 1961)
Betty Carter,The Modern Sound of Betty Carter (ABC, 1960)
Betty Carter/Ray Bryant, Meet Betty Carter and Ray Bryant (Epic, 1955)