Betty Bennett

Betty Bennett was inspired to pursue a career in music when she was brought along to gigs by her mother and was allowed to sing with her. After Betty’s first paying gig, making 50 cents for singing a song, she would continue singing throughout her high school and college years, hitting it big when she auditioned for and was accepted in to the Midwest Territory Band led by Royce Stonner. She eventually worked with big names like Claude Thornhill, Alvino Rey, Charlie Barnett, and Benny Goodman. During her NAMM Oral History interview, Betty fondly reflected on how much she enjoyed being on the road with the bands throughout her life and her performances with husband and jazz guitarist Mundell Lowe.