In the 1960s, Betty Everett became one of the defining voices of R&B and soul. Best known for her catchy, upbeat anthem “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss),” she captured hearts with her powerful vocals and piano skills. Though she’s often considered a one-hit wonder in pop circles, Everett had a career that stretched across multiple decades, labels, and genres.
She recorded duets, hit the R&B charts, and even saw a resurgence in popularity thanks to a Hollywood movie. Her story is one of talent, perseverance, and lasting influence in the world of soul music.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Betty Everett |
| Birth Date | November 23, 1939 |
| Birthplace | Greenwood, Mississippi, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Soul, Pop |
| Known For | “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)” |
| Major Label | Vee-Jay Records |
| Other Labels | ABC, Uni, Fantasy, United Artists |
| Biggest Hit | #6 Billboard Hot 100, #1 R&B – “The Shoop Shoop Song” |
| Key Collaborations | Jerry Butler (“Let It Be Me”) |
| Final Recording | 1980 |
| Last Public Appearance | Doo Wop 51 (2000) |
| Died | August 19, 2001 (Age 61) |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Foundation (1996) |
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Betty Everett was born on November 23, 1939, in Greenwood, Mississippi. Like many future R&B artists, she got her start in gospel. By the age of nine, she was already singing and playing piano at her local church.
In the late 1950s, Everett moved to Chicago, where the music scene was vibrant and full of opportunity. She began recording for small independent labels, slowly building experience and exposure. Her big break came in 1963, when she signed with Vee-Jay Records, one of the first Black-owned labels in the United States.
First Chart Success: “You’re No Good”
Betty Everett’s first single with Vee-Jay didn’t chart, but her second effort, “You’re No Good,” made waves. It reached #51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the R&B chart. Though Everett introduced the song to the public, it later became a chart-topping hit for Linda Ronstadt in 1975.
Even so, Everett’s version earned her initial national attention and set the stage for her next big release.
The Hit That Defined Her: “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)”
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In 1964, Everett released “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)”, written by Rudy Clark and recorded for Vee-Jay. With its infectious hook and playful lyrics, the track became a crossover success.
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#6 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#1 on the R&B chart
The song quickly became a radio favorite and has since become one of the most recognizable R&B tracks of the decade. Interestingly, The Shoop Shoop Song had been offered to Aretha Franklin, who passed on it. Everett turned it into a hit instead.
More Charting Singles and Collaborations
Although Betty Everett never replicated the massive success of “The Shoop Shoop Song,” she had several respectable hits in the mid-to-late 1960s. Some of her better-known tracks include:
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“I Can’t Hear You”
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“Getting Mighty Crowded”
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“There’ll Come a Time” – #26 Pop, #2 R&B (1969)
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“It’s Been a Long, Long Time” – #96 Pop, #17 R&B
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“Unlucky Girl”
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“I Got to Tell Somebody”
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“Ain’t Nothing Gonna Change Me”
One of her most successful pairings came through her collaboration with soul singer Jerry Butler. Their 1964 duet “Let It Be Me” reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B chart. The chemistry between Everett and Butler made them one of the most beloved duet acts in 1960s R&B.
Label Moves and Declining Chart Presence
As Vee-Jay Records folded in the mid-1960s, Everett shifted between labels. She joined ABC Records, where she released “There’ll Come a Time” in 1969. The single became one of her final Top 40 hits.
She moved to Uni Records and remained there until 1970. From 1970 to 1974, she recorded with the Fantasy label, releasing more music, though none charted significantly. By the late 1970s, she had signed briefly with United Artists, but her commercial momentum had slowed.
Her last official recording was released in 1980, bringing her active recording career to a quiet end.
A 1990s Revival
In 1990, Everett’s career found new life. Cher recorded a cover of “The Shoop Shoop Song” for the closing credits of the film Mermaids. The cover became a major international hit, especially in the UK, where it topped the singles chart for five consecutive weeks.
The renewed interest led to a small career resurgence for Everett. In 1991, she was invited to perform at the Chicago Blues Festival, a performance broadcast live on radio. She also received bookings for major venues like Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal in Atlantic City and the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, health issues forced Everett to cancel some of these appearances, cutting short what might have been a significant comeback.
Final Years and Legacy
Betty Everett spent her final years living with her sister in South Beloit, Illinois. She remained active in her local church and continued to perform occasionally.
In 2000, she made her last public appearance on the PBS music documentary Doo Wop 51, where she reunited with Jerry Butler for a nostalgic performance.
Everett passed away on August 19, 2001, at the age of 61, in Beloit, Wisconsin. While the official cause of death was not publicly confirmed, her health had been declining for some time.
In 1996, she was honored with an induction into the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s Hall of Fame, a recognition of her enduring contributions to soul and R&B music.
Musical Style and Influence
Betty Everett’s voice combined gospel intensity with smooth soul phrasing. Her piano playing and vocal control made her stand out among her peers. While she didn’t have a long list of Top 10 hits, her signature style and emotional delivery made her a respected figure in R&B.
Artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Cher, and Dusty Springfield have acknowledged Everett’s influence, particularly in the way she blended soul with pop accessibility.
Conclusion
Betty Everett’s career may be best remembered for one irresistible hit, but her influence reaches much deeper. With a voice that could convey joy, heartbreak, and strength, she helped shape the sound of 1960s R&B. Her work with Jerry Butler, her solo efforts, and the enduring legacy of “The Shoop Shoop Song” continue to inspire generations of vocalists and music lovers alike.