Betty Carter

Betty Carter, known as one of the most innovative female jazz vocalists, embraced radical improvisation and pushed the boundaries of melody and harmony in her music. Despite being a pioneer of adventurous sound, she also showcased tender and sensual ballad singing, though her unconventional style kept her somewhat on the fringes of mainstream recognition. Carter's exacting musical standards and assertive independence limited her recorded output, but her refusal to compromise eventually earned her widespread respect within the jazz community.

Born Lillie Mae Jones in Flint, MI, in 1930, Betty Carter began her musical journey in Detroit, where she immersed herself in bebop and gained early recognition for her unique vocal style. After parting ways with Lionel Hampton in 1951, she ventured to New York City and embarked on a diverse career, collaborating with jazz legends and releasing several albums that showcased her boundary-pushing approach to jazz singing. Carter's resurgence in the late '70s and '80s, marked by acclaimed recordings and a Grammy win, solidified her status as a revered figure in jazz before her passing in 1998.