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betty o'brien

Biography

Betty O'Brien is a lesser-known but highly respected figure in the Northern Soul scene, active primarily in the early 1960s. She recorded only a handful of singles between 1961 and 1964, yet her work has become a cult favorite among collectors and soul enthusiasts. Her debut single, 'She'll Be Gone,' released on the Burnetts Of Detroit label, is particularly celebrated for its driving rhythm and emotive vocal delivery, embodying the raw, heartfelt style that characterizes Northern Soul.

Managed by the influential Clyde Otis, who was also known for his work with Liberty Records artist Timi Yuro, O'Brien's brief career was marked by both promise and frustration. Despite her evident talent and the quality of her recordings—including a cover of 'Money Honey'—she did not achieve mainstream success, and her output was limited to just three singles over three years. Nevertheless, her music has endured, finding new audiences through the Northern Soul revival and rare soul collectors.

O'Brien's style is rooted in classic R&B and early soul, with powerful, expressive vocals and arrangements that reflect the influence of the Detroit sound. While little is documented about her later life, her recordings remain staples at Northern Soul events, and her legacy is preserved through the ongoing appreciation of her rare singles.

Fun Facts

  • Betty O'Brien only released three singles during her career, making her records highly collectible among soul enthusiasts.
  • Her song 'She'll Be Gone' is considered a classic floor-filler at Northern Soul dance events.
  • She was managed by Clyde Otis, a prominent figure who also worked with Timi Yuro.
  • Despite her Detroit connections, O'Brien later resided in Fort Worth, Texas.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Clyde Otis - Manager and industry mentor, known for developing soul artists (Oversaw her singles including 'She'll Be Gone') [Early 1960s]

Key Collaborators

  • H.B. Barnum - Arranger and producer associated with her early recordings ('She'll Be Gone') [Early 1960s]

Artists Influenced

  • Northern Soul DJs and collectors - Her recordings became highly sought-after and influential in the UK Northern Soul scene ('She'll Be Gone', 'Money Honey') [1970s-present]

Connection Network

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Discography

Top Tracks

  1. She'll Be Gone - Single Version (All Night Soul)
  2. She'll Be Gone (Popcorn Girls)
  3. She'll Be Gone (Ain't Gonna Hush)
  4. She'll Be Gone (Only for Madison's Fans (feat. Bert Keyes and His Orchestra) [Mono Version])
  5. Money Honey (Rock and Roll Vixens, Vol. 4)
  6. She'll Be Gone (Alternate Version) (Angel Baby (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
  7. She'll Be Gone (Soul for Dancers 2: Out on the Floor Firecrackers)
  8. Why Me? (Only for Madison's Fans (feat. Bert Keyes and His Orchestra) [Mono Version])
  9. Money Honey (Only for Madison's Fans (feat. Bert Keyes and His Orchestra) [Mono Version])
  10. Love Oh! Love (Only for Madison's Fans (feat. Bert Keyes and His Orchestra) [Mono Version])

References

  1. firerecords.com
  2. soulfulrecords.co.uk
  3. northernsouldirect.co.uk

Heard on WWOZ

betty o'brien has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Nov 17, 202520:52money honey ***Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr.