Bettye LaVette is one of the greatest soul singers in American music history, possessed of an incredibly expressive voice that one moment will exude a formidable level of strength and intensity and the next will appear vulnerable, reflective, reeking of heartbreak. Born in Muskegon, Michigan in 1946, LaVette grew up in Detroit and she is one of the very few soul singers who did not get her start singing in the church. “Discovered” at the age of 16 by the legendary Motor City music raconteur Johnnie Mae Matthews, LaVette’s first single was the insouciantly swinging “My Man--He’s a Loving Man.” The net result was a Top 10 R&B hit that just missed the pop Hot 100 and would be eventually covered by both Tina Turner and Ann Peebles.

Over the next three-plus decades LaVette cut a string of consistently strong singles. Among her more notable recordings were the sultry Top 30 chart entry “He Made a Woman Out of Me” (later covered by Bobbie Gentry), the disco club hit “Doin’ the Best That I Can,” “Hey Love,” written expressly for Bettye by Stevie Wonder, and covers of Kenny Rogers and the First Edition’s “What Condition My Condition Was In.” Bettye has always had big ears and a wide open mind, preferring to fulfill the role of a song interpreter, rather than attempt to write her own material. “I’m a better editor,” insists the diminutive singer. “If you make a statement, I can make it a stronger statement. And, if you write a story, I can make it a stronger story. But, I rarely think of a story I ever want to write myself.”

Betty has released many albums over her 43 year career. Her 2003 CD A Woman Like Me helped her win the coveted W.C. Handy Award in 2004 for “Comeback Blues Album of the Year” as well as the Living Blues critic pick as “Best Female Blues Artist of 2004.” LaVette’s most recent album consists of ten songs written by women songrwiters. On I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise Bettye LaVette sings from the point of view of a mature woman, confident, wise and secure. The album taps into country with Rosanne Cash’s “On the Surface”, Dolly Parton’s “Little Sparrow” and the obscure Bobbie Cryner’s “Just Say So,” among others.

In June, she was honored as an R&B Legend by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Awards in Philadelphia. Co-recipients included Chubby Checker.

About her latest project, LaVette says “I’m a soul singer,” concurs Bettye. “If I did an aria, it would be being done by a soul singer. I don’t know how to sing any other way. If it’s me and my singing you like, this is what I’m singing today.” The result is a blessing to us all.

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