Betty Renz, her life, her loves and her JAZZ

 

Betty leads the 2011 Brolly Parade

Betty leads the 2011 Brolly Parade

Betty Renz is my foremost jazz heroine. It is she who inspired the launch of Ramsgate Seaside Shuffle in 2011 – the UK’s youngest jazz festival which continues to grow from strength to strength each year.

BettyNow aged 82, Betty’s enduring love is jazz and one of her ambitions is to sing with as many jazz bands as possible, and even to sing with, wait for it, André Previn!

It is my huge privilege to have been involved with Ramsgate Seaside Shuffle and with Betty since it’s launch through the good offices of the organising committee.

Following this year’s festival this remarkable lady was interviewed by Kent Atelier about her life, her loves and her music – including her love for jazz. It’s so worth listening to – and Betty’s immense humanity shines through. Please click here to listen to the interview.

Plus, I just had to paint Betty’s portrait from back in the days when she sang with Burt Butler’s Jazz Pilgrims in The Duke of  Cumberland, Whitstable, Kent. Click here to view.

Guest Vocalist, the Seaside Shuffler who was the inspiration behind the Ramsgate Jazz Festival

Betty guesting with Brian Turnock’s New Orleans Z’hulus, Ramsgate Seaside Shuffle, 2012.

Jazz&Jazz will feature a selection of YouTubes of Betty singing with jazz bands. Here she is singing with Pete Lay’s Gambit Jazzmen, Chris Marney, Alan Gresty, Roger Myerscough and Roger Link at Ramsgate Seaside Shuffle, 2014. (Best viewed on YouTube in HD.)

Photos & YouTubes © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz

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Comments

  1. Betty Renz says:

    Peter, you are very kind – and have been instrumental in getting the Seaside Shuffle ‘up and running’. Your continued support is much appreciated – and to think this is worldwide is unbelievable. I, with you, hope we can all keep music with live musicians ‘up there’ in demand.
    If there is anyone out there who can introduce me to Andre Previn it would be my ultimate desire….I have recorded myself, with a 99p microphone, singing a track off of a CD with Mr Previn – in my front room ! but to meet him, even if I didn’t sing with him would be wonderful. I’ve been a fan of his since I was 18 years old. My friends tell me my rendition of “I’ve grown accustomed to his face” is quite good…..Mr Previn where are you ? I hope you are well…Love, Betty

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