Biography
Bettye Swann, born Betty Jean Champion on October 24, 1944, in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a celebrated American soul singer best known for her 1967 chart-topping hit "Make Me Yours." Raised in Arcadia, Louisiana, as one of 14 children, Swann began singing gospel in church before moving to Los Angeles in 1963 to pursue a music career. She adopted the stage name Bettye Swann at the suggestion of DJ Al Scott, who became her manager. Her early solo efforts included the self-penned "Don’t Wait Too Long," but her breakthrough came with "Make Me Yours," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 21 on the Hot 100 in 1967.
Following her initial success, Swann signed with Capitol Records and scored another hit with her soulful rendition of "Don't Touch Me" in 1969. In the early 1970s, she joined Atlantic Records, releasing a series of singles including "Victim of a Foolish Heart" and "Today I Started Loving You Again." Despite her emotive voice and critical acclaim, Swann's commercial success waned, and she retired from performing after her husband and manager George Barton's death in 1980. Swann subsequently changed her name to Betty Barton, became a Jehovah’s Witness, and pursued a career in education in Las Vegas.
Swann's musical style is marked by her deeply expressive, gospel-infused vocals and heartfelt delivery, which resonated with soul and northern soul audiences. Though she never achieved the fame of some contemporaries, her recordings have gained renewed appreciation among collectors and soul enthusiasts, cementing her legacy as one of the genre’s most underrated voices.
Fun Facts
- Bettye Swann was one of 14 children and began singing gospel music in church as a child.
- She refuted claims that she was in the vocal group The Fawns, clarifying she only sang with a similarly named trio in Arcadia.
- After retiring from music, she became a Jehovah’s Witness and worked as a teacher in Las Vegas.
- Her song 'Make Me Yours' remains a classic of the northern soul scene and is regularly featured on soul compilations.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Al Scott - Local DJ who became her manager and suggested her stage name; guided her early career. (Early singles including 'Don’t Wait Too Long' and 'Make Me Yours') [1964–1968]
Key Collaborators
- Arthur Wright - Producer of her early singles for Money Records, shaping her signature sound. (Singles such as 'Don’t Wait Too Long', 'Make Me Yours') [1964–1967]
- Sam Dees - Duet partner for a one-off single during her Atlantic Records years. (Duet single (Atlantic Records)) [1972–1976]
Artists Influenced
- Joss Stone - Covered Swann's 'Victim of a Foolish Heart', citing her as an influence on her own soul interpretations. (Cover of 'Victim of a Foolish Heart') [2000s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bettye Swann | 2004-01-01 | Album |
| The Money Recordings | 1967-02-06 | Album |
| The Complete Atlantic Recordings | 2014 | Album |
| Make Me Yours | 1967-03-02 | Album |
| The Money Recordings | 2010-04-26 | Album |
| Buck 'Em! Vol. 2: The Music of Buck Owens (1967-1975) | 2015-12-13 | Album |
| The Money Recordings | 2013-01-02 | Album |
| I Can't Stop Loving You | 2012-05-31 | Album |
| I Can't Stop Loving You | 2011-03-01 | Album |
| Bettye Swan | 2005-09-20 | Album |
| Nothing Can Holds Us Back | 2005-09-05 | Album |
| The Money Recordings | 2001-07-31 | Album |
| The Money Recordings | 2001-05-29 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye (Bettye Swann)
- Make Me Yours (The Money Recordings)
- Little Things Mean A Lot (Bettye Swann)
- Tell It Like It Is (Bettye Swann)
- (My Heart Is) Closed For The Season (Bettye Swann)
- I'm Lonely For You (Bettye Swann)
- Angel Of The Morning (Bettye Swann)
- Kiss My Love Goodbye - Single Version (The Complete Atlantic Recordings)
- Don't You Ever Get Tired (Of Hurting Me) (Bettye Swann)
- Don't Touch Me (Bettye Swann)
External Links
Tags: #r&b, #soul
References
Heard on WWOZ
Bettye Swann has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 9, 2025 | 05:28 | I`m Lonely For Youfrom Bettye Swann | Overnight Music - Tuesday | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 12:25 | Make me Yoursfrom The Money recordings | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 12:15 | Kiss My Love Goodbyefrom Complete Atlantic Recordings | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 12:13 | i'd rather go blindfrom Complete Atlantic Recordings | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 12:08 | Til I Get it Right | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk |