Smokestack Betty Dotson

   Smokestack Betty is a West Virginia singer/songwriter who accompanies
her folk-rock music with her trusty partner, a 12 string Alvarez guitar.
Betty began playing at the age of 13; at 15 she was singing in church
and on the radio.  Her first appearance in a bar was in 1976.  Later,
in 1978 and 1979, she appeared on the "Joe Rada TV Show" which
previewed local talent.  She has played in lounges, churches, weddings,
funerls, fairs, parties, coffee houses, festivals and on the radio in West Virginia
Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.  Consistent with her belief in the good
ebergy generated by helping others and her deep-seated faith, Betty often
contributes her many talents to benefits for notable causes.

"Glad I had a small part in your growth as a singer/songwriter.  Listened
to most of your new CD and it sounds like you're getting better with
each new recording.  Always like those references to thanking God...
keep on making that beautiful music.  God Bless!"  Paul Skyland,
Singer/Songwriter, Songchild Productions

   Betty's stage name was conceived in 1992 when a friend saw her pass
him on a 10-speed bike with no brakes "like he was sittin' still."
She was smokin' her tennis shoes and, so became...Smokestack Betty.
That inspired name is truly a reflection of her voice; smoky and rich
and reminiscent of the very hills of West Virginia from which she
comes.
   Smokestack Betty is with Rolling Thunder Records(http://listen.to/rtr),
showcasing her music on Mp3.com (www.mp3.com/smokestack).  Her bluesy
rendition of "House Of The Rising Sun" from her second CD, "Live
Revisited" made it to the top 10 on the Mp3.com International Folk
Charts.  The title of her newly released and third CD, "Living A Dream,"
is a tribute to the life she leads, playing her music and inspiring young, and
sometimes not-so-young, new musicians.

"When it comes to talent, you don't get much more pure than Smokestack
Betty.  I've been around, seen people, heard bands, felt the vibes when
she plays.  Her talent is not only in songwriting and performing but
is also in the way she treats other musicians.  She always goes out
of her way to compliment others and shies away when recieving the same
praise.  What you have here is not only a musician, but a humanitarian
as well - someone who would give you her right leg so you could walk
to your next gig!  All in all, Smokestack's a great person, terrific
performer, gifted songwriter, amd a special friend." Jeremy Mayle, 
Founder & President of Rolling Thunder Records

   For six years Betty hosted a rousingly successful open mic at Bogie's
Rib House in Parkersburg, WV, which she temporarily moved to Beamer's
Eatery & Pub.  These days you can find Betty's open mics back at
Bogart's, now under new ownership, every Tuesday from 9:30pm until
the wee hours of the morning.
   Anyone who has not seen or heard Smokestack Betty is missing one
of West Virginia's treasures.  Her performances and her recordings
provide an opportunity to experience not only her soul, but those of
the mountaineers and musicians that came before.  She will touch your
heart.





"The future belongs to those who believe
in the beauty of their dreams."
                      -Eleanor Roosevelt