In the early 1960's Betty's interest was in piano, playing for her own enjoyment. At the age of 10, she performed in "Mrs. Helm's Piano Recitals" and was scared to death of the public!!
(things change)
Betty is an original member of DURANGO MANGO, and involved in country music since the early 1970s.
By the 1980s she had become secretary of the New England Country Music Club- staying in that position for 10 years, then moving on to president of the club for several more years. After two years in Maine and three hundred miles from the NECMC "home base" in Uxbridge, MA- Both Betty and her husband Eric decided it was time to step down and pass the officers' duties to someone else. THEN, after one more year Eric and Betty were elected as president and treasurer of the NECMC and are continuing to hold those posts.
Betty's real stage performances began as a vocalist with Homer Bates & Company, a local band with musicians hailing from Maine, Connecticut & Rhode Island.
In 1993, she became DURANGO MANGO'S bassist. She is also a vocalist in the band.
(some things don't change)
Betty was also host of WOON Radio 1240's O'Kay's Corral, and co-host of "THE" Theme show with Eric until their move in 2006.
Her musical influences are:
Lacy J. Dalton, Danni Leigh, Joni Harms, Jimmy Buffett, Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash, Bette Midler and especially Eric Phillips!
She is a 1992 Honorary member of the New England Country Music Club and a 2001 inductee into the NECMC Hall of Fame. She has received awards from several sources for her dedication and the promotion of country music.
