Today, January 29th
BETTY JO HASKINS TURNS 74. You may know her as soul singer-songwriter, Bettye LaVette—though few people knew her at all until 2005. The Michigan native recorded her first single, “My Man - He’s a Loving Man,” in 1962, which reached #7 on the R&B charts and launched her on a national tour with Ben E. King and a young Otis Redding. Follow-up recordings failed to chart, though Bettye continued to work for the next 40 years, recording intermittently, touring in the Broadway musical, “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” and even winning a Clio award for her Schaffer Beer Commercial. And she might have continued under the radar as a favorite of music insiders were it not for a Dutch fan, whose 2000 recording of a live performance in Utrecht, Holland got the attention of Grammy Award winning producer, Dennis Walker. Bettye released her album, A Woman Like Me,” in 2003 (winning the coveted W.C. Handy Award for Comeback Blues Album of the Year), followed by an album of songs written entirely by women, “I’ve Got My Own Hell To Raise,” which was on many critics’ “Best of 2005” lists.
Grammy nominations, Hall of Fame Awards and appearances on every late-night talk show followed—making Bettye’s “comeback” story an inspiring lesson in perseverance. Hear why the wait was worth it here. And learn more at www.bettyelavette.com
JOIN AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER/ WRITER RICHIE JACKSON FOR AN URGENT CONVERSATION ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK, “GAY LIKE ME: A FATHER WRITES TO HIS SON.” Jackson’s “cultural manifesto” explores gay identity, the progress and setbacks of the LGBTQ community and the world Jackson’s 18-year-old gay son is growing up in now. Tonight’s conversation with “Queer Eye” star Antoni Porowski will look at the last 50 years and today’s uncertain times to explore the issues of dignity, equality, and justice; and will be followed by a book signing. Tickets include a copy of Jackson’s book.
Wed, Jan 29, 2020, 8:00PM. 92nd Street Y, Kaufmann Concert Hall
Richie Jackson and Antoni Porowski
HEAR THE “NEXT QUESTION” WITH KATIE COURIC. Couric’s sunny disposition belies her unique talent as a journalist. Her new podcast showcases the combination of empathy, curiosity, and research she brings to every interview. And the 2nd season’s premiere conversation with ERA Coalition Co-President and CEO Carol Jenkins couldn’t be more timely—suggesting that the 100-year-old debate over an equal rights amendment may finally be resolved.