Betty

Betty is a US alternative rock band from Washington, D.C., active from 1986 to the present. The group later relocates to New York City and builds a following in the alternative scene, including among gay and lesbian audiences. It is made up of Alyson Palmer, Amy Ziff and Elizabeth Ziff.

Origins and early development

The band traces its beginnings to a birthday party for Dodie Bowers, who is the original owner of Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club. From those roots, Betty develops a sound centred on vocal harmonies and distinctive lyrics. The name of its first album, Hello, BETTY!, comes from the standard opening used at the group's appearances.

Line-up and later changes

The core members are Alyson Palmer, Amy Ziff and Elizabeth Ziff. In 1995 the group expands its sound by adding lead guitar and drums to its original line-up, which is primarily vocals with electronic accompaniment. The later line-up also includes Tony Salvatore on lead guitar and Mino Gori on drums.

Recording and releases

Betty's recordings include the album Hello, BETTY! and a range of later material associated with its live performances and television work. The band also releases the maxi-single format in other contexts, though those references belong to a different act with the same name.

Television and theatre

Betty appears in every episode of the 1986 HBO series Encyclopedia, performing educational songs built around individual words as well as the opening and closing themes. The members are Alyson Palmer, Amy Ziff and Elizabeth Ziff, although they are credited in the show's opening titles simply as Betty. In 2003 the group stars in its own off-Broadway show, BETTY RULES, directed by Michael Greif. The production runs for six months at the Zipper Theatre and is later performed in Chicago at the Lakeside Theatre and at Theater J in Washington, D.C.

Other appearances

Betty is a regular guest artist on the television series The L Word, and it provides the show's theme song. A "BETTY Rules" T-shirt from the group's early merchandise appears on one of the AIDS quilts.