34 Comments
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Catherine Texier's avatar

"I really, maybe don’t know anything else. I’ve been to bed with everybody I’ve ever thought of going to bed with. I’ve sung everywhere I’ve ever dreamed of singing." ❤️❤️❤️

Sari Botton's avatar

I love this quote!!

Nancy Jainchill's avatar

Me too!

Louise LoCascio Matarazzo's avatar

A Life So Long and So Short

From this life, so long and so short.

Where I have changed all the diapers

Sang all the songs

Traveled to my hearts content,

I ask myself…

Do I use the magic eraser?

Wipe away the unsavory parts of my life?

Or do I wait ‘till I get to Heaven?

Where it is said, that Heaven

is a hospital for souls.

I like that…

And so, from this life, so long and so short

I am careful not to be so quick

to erase all my bumps and bruises

For in doing so

I may lose the very essence of me.

and the truth of my existence.

L

Maryjane Fahey's avatar

I love this woman so much. She was one of my first Glorious Broads. Her answers!!! She does NOT hold back. EVERYBODY: go see this woman on stage! Thanks Sari!

Sari Botton's avatar

Oh, wow! How cool that you featured her, too. She’s amazing.

Maryjane Fahey's avatar

she is. congrats!

Lauren Sanders's avatar

Bettye Lavette!!!! This woman, her voice, her humor, her confidence. She’s got her own hell to raise for sure. I’ve adored her for years, now she’s on my list of oldster icons. Thanks, Sari, for this free-ranging interview that lets the queen reign.

Steve Adams's avatar

What a wonderful interview and person! I've downloaded two of her albums and can't wait to hear her.

Sari Botton's avatar

Glad to hear!

April Henry's avatar

I got to hang out with her in the green room at a book event a few years ago. She was so damn cool!

Trust Dust's avatar

Well now. Bringing it real here aren’t we?! Check out her Dylan cover “It Ain’t Me Babe”. Legend.

Nava Atlas's avatar

This is so great!!!

Sari Botton's avatar

Glad you enjoyed this, Nava. <3

Diane Thomas's avatar

Wow! Bettye’s rendition of “Rain on Me” hers is the only one to hear!

Mary P.'s avatar

What a great interview. I so enjoyed this one so much, Sari and Bettye. Many thanks to both of you. Bettye, you are a delight and now I am going to find some of your music to enjoy.

Sari Botton's avatar

Glad to hear! thanks for saying so.

Beth's avatar

“I wouldn’t want to be young again for any reason. I know all the confusion that being young brings, and being young, you don’t know that it’s bringing it.” Oh Bettye, you are beautiful and wise and sing like an angel who knows more than we humans.

Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Dear Sarah, OMG: Bettye is absolutely beautiful, powerful and wow—can she sing. I will come back to listen to more of her incredible voice and lyrics. A great line. ICS syndrome. So relatable. Happy 80th and many more. I feel you, yes, all was easier younger and confusing... xoxo

Amy Allsopp's avatar

I first learned of Bettye LaVette when she put our her great Bob Dylan cover record - Things Have Changed. So cool to see her featured here!

Nancy Jainchill's avatar

Yesss!

Deborah Sosin's avatar

Wonderful! Inspiring!

Emily Rubin's avatar

Wow! Bettye! Thank you! Such amazing life in song and performing. You bring life to the boards in way that speaks to all the ups, downs, and in betweens. Great interview!