22 Facts About Bettye LaVette

Bettye LaVette was born on Betty Jo Haskins, January 29,1946 and is an American soul singer-songwriter who made her first record at sixteen, but achieved only intermittent fame until 2005, when her album I've Got My Own Hell to Raise was released to widespread critical acclaim, and was named on many critics' "Best of 2005" lists.

Bettye LaVette was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and raised in Detroit.

Bettye LaVette was signed by Johnnie Mae Matthews, a local record producer.

Bettye LaVette was sent to Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama to record what was to be her first album.

The mid-1970s saw a brief stint and two 45s with Epic, and in 1978 Bettye LaVette released the disco smash on West End Records "Doin' The Best That I Can".

Bettye LaVette briefly gave up recording for a six-year run in the Broadway smash Bubbling Brown Sugar, appearing alongside Honi Coles and Cab Calloway.

In 2006, Bettye LaVette received a "Pioneer Award" from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

Bettye LaVette talked about her experiences at Muscle Shoals Sound and FAME in an interview conducted by Edd Hurt in September 2007.

In December 2008 at the Kennedy Center Honors, Bettye LaVette sang her version of 1973's "Love, Reign o'er Me" in tribute to Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who, who were among the year's honorees.

In 2010, Bettye LaVette released Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook, which included unique arrangements and performances of classic songs by artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, and Pink Floyd.

Bettye LaVette has appeared on National Public Radio's Mountain Stage, World Cafe, All Things Considered and Wait Wait.

Bettye LaVette has appeared in a Mississippi Public Broadcasting series, Blues Divas, and is in a film of the same name, both produced by Robert Mugge.

Bettye LaVette has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, Conan, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Austin City Limits, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Live from the Artists Den.

Bettye LaVette joined the 9th 10th and 11th annual Independent Music Awards judging panel to assist independent musicians' careers.

Bettye LaVette contributed a cover of "Most of the Time" for the album Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International.

In 2013 and 2014, Bettye LaVette was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the "Contemporary Blues Female Artist" category.

In 2016, Bettye LaVette won a Blues Music Award as the Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year.

In 2017, Bettye LaVette appeared in the award-winning documentary film The American Epic Sessions.

In 2018, Bettye LaVette was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.

In May 2020, Bettye LaVette garnered another Blues Music Award in the "Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year" category.

In 2021, Bettye LaVette again received the Blues Music Award for "Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year".

Bettye LaVette is married to Kevin Kiley, a recorded music and antiques dealer who is a singer and musician.