Thankfully, there's no shortage of great Betty Carter clips still circulating on the internet. To help you prepare for The Music Never Stops, her previously unreleased concert record out March 29 from Blue Engine Records, we thought we'd collect some of her greatest video hits in one place.
First, there's her iconic appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, just weeks after she performed The Music Never Stops with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Carter's appearance on such a popular TV show was a big deal, coming at a time when straight-ahead jazz wasn't at the forefront of the cultural conversation.
Carter was perhaps best appreciated in live settings, where her incredible technique and theatrical flair helped her hold audiences in the palm of her hand.
For a brief non-musical interlude, check out this brief documentary on Carter, which offers a glimpse into her importance to the New York jazz scene and as a mentor of young musical talent.
If you've got some time to kill, we highly recommend this Carter set from the 1982 Montreal Jazz Festival.
The Music Never Stops) on the keys.
Betty Carter's The Music Never Stops is out March 29 on Blue Engine Records. Pre-order it today from the Jazz at Lincoln Center webstore.