Betty Everett

Betty Everett (November 23 1939, Greenwood, Mississippi – August 19 2001, Beloit, Wisconsin) was an African-American R&B singer and pianist. She is known for her biggest hit single "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)."

Biography

At the age of nine, Everett began playing the piano and singing gospel music in church. She enjoyed these activities until she grew up and moved to secular music.

In 1957, she moved to Chicago to pursue a career in music. She recorded for various small local labels before she was discovered by A&R musical director Calvin Carter. With Carter's connections, Everett accepted a deal with Vee-Jay Records in 1963. That year, her first Vee-Jay release, "You're No Good" (later a #1 hit for Linda Ronstadt), just missed the U.S. top 50. Her next single, "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)", was her biggest hit (a surprise for Everett, who did not want to record it and allegedly felt that the song was too silly and childishFact|date=March 2008). Her other hits included "I Can't Hear You", "Getting Mighty Crowded" (covered by Elvis Costello in 1980), and several duets with Jerry Butler.

After Vee-Jay folded in 1966, she recorded for other labels, including Uni, Fantasy, and Epic. However, most of her later work could not match the success she had with Vee-Jay. Her awards include the BMI Pop Award (both for 1964 and 1991) and the BMI R&B Award (for 1964).

From the 1980s until her death, Everett resided in Beloit, Wisconsin, where she was involved in the Rhythm & Blues Foundation and the churches of the Fountain of Life and New Covenant. In 2000, she made her last public appearance on the PBS special "Doo Wop 51".

Everett died in her home in Beloit on August 19 2001; she was 61 years old.

Discography

Albums

*1962: "Betty Everett & Ketty Lester" (with Ketty Lester)
*1963: "It's in His Kiss"
*1964: "They're Delicious Together" (with Jerry Butler)
*1968: "I Need You So"
*1969: "There'll Come a Time"
*1970: "Betty Everett Starring
*1974: "Betty Everett"
*1974: "Love Rhymes"
*1975: "Happy Endings"

Compilations

*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)"

ingles

*1964: "You're No Good" (US #51)
*1964: "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)" (US #6)
*1964: "I Can't Hear You" (US #66)
*1964: "Let It Be Me" (duet with Jerry Butler) (US #5)
*1965: "Smile" (duet with Jerry Butler) (US #42)
*1965: "Getting Mighty Crowded" (US #65)(UK #20)
*1969: "There'll Come a Time" (US #26)
*1969: "I Can't Say No to You" (US #78)
*1969: "It's Been a Long Time" (US #96)
*1970: "Unlucky Girl"
*1971: "I Got to Tell Somebody" (US #96)
*1971: "Ain't Nothing Gonna Change Me"
*1973: "Danger"
*1974: "Sweet Dan"

External links

*http://www.geocities.com/spectropop/femme/betty_everett.html