Betty Buckley's voice is a  powerful instrument that she employs with heart and warmth.  Her rendition of "Memory" from "Cats" can send chills up and down your spine, while "With One Look" from "Sunset Boulevard" can break your heart. 

Betty Lynn Buckley was born in Texas, July 3, 1947, and first sang in church.  She took dance lessons from her aunt, a former dancer for Billy Rose and seeing "Steam Heat" from "Pajama Game" performed in summer stock at 11 inspired her career.  At 15, she made her first professional performance was in a performance of "Gypsy".  She toured Asia with Miss America in 1968, visiting the wounded from Viet Nam.  That experience made her set aside her dreams of Broadway, but at the urging of her agents, she finally headed for New York in 1969, and got her first role in "1776". 

In the following years, she performed in shows in London, Broadway, and off-Broadway.   In 1976, she made her screen debut as the sympathetic coach in "Carrie".   She became well known as the stepmother, Abbie, on "Eight Is Enough" TV show.  She followed that with her famous year and half Tony-winning performance in "Cats", other TV and movie work, concerts, and albums.  After starring as Norma Desmond in the London production of "Sunset Boulevard", she was asked to reprise the role on Broadway, which was a triumph.

Like many, I first became aware of Betty's talent when I heard her sing, "Memory".  (I had seen her in "Carrie" and "Eight Is Enough", but had no idea of her incredible voice.)  I await to hear her in concert, but till then will satisfy myself with her albums.  In the past couple years, I have collected the CD's listed below and can highly recommend any (or preferably all!) for your listening pleasure.  Not only is her voice sublime, but her taste in songs is impeccable.  IF there is any justice, she will do "Sunset Boulevard", if it is ever filmed, but I am sure Babs will have something to say about it.

I was fortunate to recently see Betty in concert - she is marvelous.  Her voice is rich and pure and her humor and warmth come through to the audience.  She is also wise in surrounding herself with a quartet of very talented musicians.  Her a cappella version of "Amazing Grace" was a particular standout for me.

So, take a chance and take a listen.  I know you will not be disappointed.