Bettye LaVette

Bettye LaVette is an American soul and R&B singer whose career began in the 1960s. She is known for a gritty, emotionally direct vocal style and for reinterpreting songs across genres including soul, blues, rock, and country, often emphasizing conversational phrasing and dramatic storytelling. LaVette's work is marked by intense, expressive performances and a long-running career that foregrounds interpretation and voice over stylistic boundaries.