The eldest of Red Foley’s four daughters, Betty Foley was born February 3, 1933 in Chicago.  She grew up in Berea, Kentucky, not far from the famous Renfro Valley Barndance, which was co-founded by her father; her uncle, Cotton Foley; Whitey Ford (better known as The Duke of Paducah) and John Lair.  Along with her sister Shirley, Betty was singing on the Barndance stage from the age of seven.  By the early 1950s, Betty started filling in for regular members of the legendary all female folk trio, “The Coon Creek Girls”.  She then became a solo member of the Barndance in her own right for several years, touring as a part of its road show.

     While sharing family duties with her very supportive husband Bentley Cummins, history was in the making, as Red and Betty Foley became the first father-daughter act in country music.  They recorded on the Decca Label.  Some of their classic duets were “As Far As I’m Concerned,” “A Satisfied Mind,” “Never,” “How About Me” and “Come a Little Closer.”
In the late 1950s, Betty signed on as a solo artist with the Independent label, Bandera Records.  Her chart success continued with songs such as “Magic Love” and “Old Moon.”
 click play and song will start in approx. 15 seconds.         
Magic Love
Old Moon
I'm Not Surprised
 
As Far As I'm Concerned
(Duet with Red Foley)
Satisfied Mind
(Duet with Red Foley)
How About Me
(Duet with Red Foley)

 

 Betty Foley
     Besides touring with her dad, Betty was also in demand as a touring partner with Jim Reeves, Ernest Tubb, The Louvin Brothers, The Osborne Brothers and many others.  She made several guest appearances on Red Foley’s ABC television show “Ozark Jubilee”, “The Grand Ole Opry” and the nationally televised “Jimmy Dean Show.”  She also hosted her own show on WCKY Radio in Cincinnati, called “Betty Foley Time”.

     In 1956, Betty was honored by the Country Music Association as the “Most Promising Female” in county music, the equivalent of today’s CMA Horizon award.  She and her father were also honored by CASHBOX magazine, for having the most programmed country record of the year in 1955, which was “A Satisfied Mind”.

     As Betty’s family grew to include three children, she slowly retired from an active career in Country Music. However, she remained active in the CMA for several years and continued to return to Nashville for special reunion shows, as one of the pioneers of country music.  Betty and her husband, Bentley also traveled on the road for several years with her son Clyde, and his band.  She was a talented vocalist with an extraordinary gift for harmony, a wonderful piano player, and an equally adept guitarist, as well.