Betty Amos
American musician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Betty Amos (July 27, 1934 – September 30, 2021) was an American guitarist, banjoist, and bluegrass/country musician. She was one of the earliest women to play Scruggs-style banjo, and played in many different bands, including The Carlisles, Lump Boys, and Rhythm Queens (Betty Amos with Judy and Jean).[1]
Betty Amos was born on July 27, 1934, near Roanoke, Virginia.[1] From a musical family, Amos played guitar in her family band, the "Buck Mountain Ramblers".[1] Amos was taught Scruggs-style banjo by her brother Ed, and sought to develop her own style in order to not copy anybody, including Earl Scruggs.[1]
The Carlisles
In 1952, Betty Amos joined The Carlisles, replacing Martha Carson.[1] Due to her age and relationship status, she became known as "Betty Carlisle," Bill Carlisle's niece.[1] Amos appeared on several of the Carlisles' Billboard hits, including "No Help Wanted" and "Is Zat You Myrtle."[1] Amos left the band in 1954, beginning a solo career.[1]
Solo career
After leaving The Carlisles in 1954, Amos retook her birthname,[1] and signed with the Mercury label.[2] Leading a band called the "Lump Boys,"[2] Amos frequented the Louisiana Hayride, sharing the stage with Elvis Presley. Amos recorded many singles with Mercury, including "Hello to the Blues," "Jole John," and "Yesterday's Sweetheart"[1][2] Amos found success as a songwriter as well, writing the 1964 Billboard hit "Second Fiddle to an Old Guitar," which rose to number five under Jean Shepherd.[1]
Betty Amos with Judy and Jean
After meeting Judy Alice Schreiber (Judy Lee) at the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, Amos formed the band "Rhythm Queens"[2] in 1960, consisting of Amos on electric rhythm guitar and banjo, Judy Lee on electric lead guitar, and Betty's sister Jean Amos on bass.[1] Credited as "Betty Amos with Judy and Jean" after signing to Starday Records in 1963,[1][2] the group played country and bluegrass music, with Betty Amos singing lead.[1] Amos would play banjo for bluegrass sets, and electric rhythm guitar for country sets.[1] The group often played USO shows and military bases, and on occasion would travel overseas.[1] The group frequented the WWVA Jamboree, and released nine singles on Starday.[2]
The group went on to record the bluegrass hits "Eighteen Wheels A-Rolling" and "Franklin County Moonshine."[1] The group stayed together until 1977, reuniting in 2003 for the Louisiana Hayride Reunion Show in Shreveport.[1]
In 1961, Betty, Judy, and Jean survived a plane crash while traveling to a USO show near Labrador.[1] Despite this experience, the group played using borrowed instruments from the troops, giving the men an excellent performance.[1]
Betty Amos died at the age of 87 on September 30, 2021.[3]
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