Betty Carter is arguably the most adventurous female jazz vocalist in history. Known for her unique style and relentless improvisation, she challenged melodic and harmonic boundaries just like a bebop instrumentalist. Carter used her husky voice to radically transform songs on the spot, shifting tempos, altering dynamics, and breaking lyrics into syncopated rhythmic patterns. Whether scatting at lightning speed, sustaining 20-minute solos, or using expressive, wordless sighs, she always delivered deep emotional impact. 

As part of the Peabody Award-winning documentary series “Jazz Profiles,” this presentation about Betty Carter was produced in 1997 by Sonja Williams – and narrated by the show host Nancy Wilson. 

The “Jazz Profiles” shows – nearly 200 of them – are part of the Tim Owens Jazz & Broadcast Collection at the University of North Texas Music Library. In a partnership with Tim and UNTML, we’ve picked a handful of noteworthy shows to share with you. You can find more “Jazz Profiles” shows at the UNT Music Library’s Jazz Syndicate (www.library.unt.edu/jazzsyndicate), and learn more about 32 Bar Blues' clothing collection and commitment to the arts at 32barblues.com