Is Betty Carter Living or Dead?

About Betty Carter

Betty Carter was a force to be reckoned with in the world of jazz. Born in Flint, Michigan in 1929, she began singing at a young age and quickly developed a unique style that blended scatting, improvisation, and a deep emotional connection to the music.

Carter's career spanned over five decades, during which she released more than 20 albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles. She was known for her innovative approach to jazz, often incorporating elements of R&B and soul into her music.

Despite facing discrimination and sexism in the music industry, Carter remained fiercely independent and refused to compromise her artistic vision. She founded her own record label, Bet-Car Records, in the 1970s and continued to perform and record until her death in 1998.

Carter's legacy as a trailblazer in jazz continues to inspire musicians today. In 1997, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton, and in 2006, the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program was established in her honor to support young jazz musicians.

References:

- "Betty Carter." Biography.com, A&E Television Networks, 13 Apr. 2021, www.biography.com/musician/betty-carter.

- "Betty Carter." AllMusic, All Media Network, accessed 13 Apr. 2021, www.allmusic.com/artist/betty-carter-mn0000071026.

About Death

Carter continued to perform, tour, and record, as well as search for new talent until she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the summer of 1998. She died on September 26, 1998, at the age of 69, and was later cremated. She was survived by her two sons.