Sunday, August 22, 2010

Somehow it happened to be me...


Betty Swann's story is pretty amazing. She grew up living outside a tiny town in northern Louisiana, moved with her family to Los Angeles when she was nineteen and before a year was out, signed a recording contract. Her first single [this one] charted. She wrote the tune.

And what a tune it is. Totally infectious.

I should mention that there are several excellent collections of Swann's work available. As far as I know, she's still alive. It would be nice to think she gets a little money from them, even if it's not true.

Hope ya'll enjoy......issued in 1964, although it may not have charted until '65.

7 comments:

  1. Bettye Swann has such a sweet and beautiful voice.
    In case you're not familiar with it check out a late 60s Capitol release of hers (and written by her) "My Heart Is Closed For The Season". Great title, sublime record.

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  2. Yeah, I own that record Darcy, it is good. Are you the one who posted it recently? If so, maybe you could provide a link here?

    Speaking of links, I've only found one bit of footage of Swann from back in the day. 1965, to be precise. The clip's not great, but it does give a glimpse of her in action.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_99c2wJtXw

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  3. I love her "Money" sides. This one's a beaut. Thanks Ana for the song and that Youtube link!

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  4. http://www.4shared.com/file/18831705/c8d5b15e/Bettye_Swan_-_My_heart_is_clos.html

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  5. I love her voice - thanks for posting.

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  6. Thanks for posting! There is a fairly recent (2005) interview with Bettye Swann, here:

    http://www.lasvegascitylife.com/articles/2005/03/03/cover_story/cover.txt

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  7. H.M.S.....thanks for the link. That's a great piece, pity I didn't see it before I posted the record.

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