Mr. Cyrus Chestnut on Bebop Betty.

[@lincland3867]

I was at an event where Cyrus and Betty Carter first met. She was speaking and answering questions. Cyrus was a student at Berklee. Some people asked her to please sing and she asked if there was a piano player that could accompany her. Some shouts for Cyrus could be heard. So he sat down, and someone suggested “Body and Soul”. She asked if he could play “ Body and Soul” in G. (I think it was G.) He said he could, and she was so pleased that he didn’t hesitate about transposing. Then, for a few minutes she discussed the importance of being able to transpose, and versatility, etc. So, they performed a beautiful rendition of Body and Soul together. After she looked at him with such love. Then she concluded her time on stage, and as she exited, she lead him off the side of the stage with her rather than allowing him to return to his seat. Some years later, I learned he had become her regular accompanist. It was nice seeing this historical meeting. It just shows you that it’s true that success is when preparation meets opportunity.

[@redhairedstepchild]

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