Betty Everett was a soul singer and pianist who rose to fame in the 1960s with her hit songs such as “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)” and “Let It Be Me”. She had a powerful and expressive voice that blended gospel, blues, and pop influences. She was also a versatile performer who recorded for various labels and genres throughout her career. However, her life was cut short by a sudden and mysterious death in 2001. What was the cause of her death and how did it happen? Here are some facts and details about Betty Everett’s death.
The Discovery of Her Body
According to MTV News, Betty Everett’s family discovered her body in her Beloit, Wisconsin, home on Sunday, August 19, 2001. She was 61 years old at the time of her death. She apparently died either Friday or Saturday, but no one noticed until Sunday morning. Her lawyer, Jay B. Ross, said that she lived alone and had no close relatives in the area. He also said that she had been treated for heart problems and the cause of death was believed to be a heart attack.
The Lack of Autopsy and Funeral
According to The Celebrity Deaths, no autopsy was performed on Betty Everett’s body and the official cause of death was never determined. Ross said that he tried to arrange an autopsy but the family refused. He also said that he tried to organize a public funeral for Everett but the family declined as well. He said that Everett will be laid to rest in Beloit, and a memorial service will be held in Chicago, where she spent most of her career.
The Legacy of Her Music
Betty Everett’s death was a shock to many fans and fellow musicians who admired her talent and achievements. She had recorded over 20 albums and dozens of singles in her career, earning several awards and nominations. She had also influenced many artists who covered or sampled her songs, such as Cher, Linda Ronstadt, Elvis Costello, and Salt-N-Pepa. Her music was also featured in many movies and TV shows, such as Mermaids, Goodfellas, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and The Simpsons.
Betty Everett’s music lives on through her recordings and the memories of those who loved her. She was a soulful singer who touched many hearts with her voice and her songs. She will be remembered as one of the legends of R&B music.
