Keter Betts

William Thomas "Keter" Betts (July 22, 1928 – August 6, 2005) was an American jazz double bassist. Born in Port Chester, New York, he was nicknamed "Keter", a short form of the word mosquito.
Graduated Chester Senior High in 1946 where he majored in music playing drums, tympani, tuba, glockenspiel,
switching from drums to bass fiddle
Career.
Many better-known musicians (Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Nat Adderley, Stan Getz, Charlie Byrd and others), recognizing Betts's talent, invited him to perform with them professionally. Early in Betts's career he joined Earl Bostic's R&B band from April 1949- August 1951. Accompanied Dinah Washington/December 1951 to October 1956. Became member of Charlie Byrd's Trio in 1957, and in 1962, together with Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd, he was instrumental in introducing the bossa nova style to American audiences via their "Jazz Samba" recording. Worked with Bobby Timmons and recorded an album in 1964; began accompanying Ella Fitzgerald in October of that year. In the mid-1960s, Betts began a nearly quarter-century relationship as a bassist with Ella Fitzgerald. Left Ella Fitzgerald and worked with Roberta Flack, Joe Williams, Johnny Hartman, Kenny Burrell, Herbie Mann, Billy Eckstine, and Chris Connor. Rejoined Ella in December 1971 and remained with her until her retirement.
Personal life.
A widowed father of five children, Betts resided in the Washington, DC, area for more than a half century. He died of a heart attack at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland, in August 2005.
Selected discography.
As Leader
With Clifford Brown
With Charlie Byrd
With Ella Fitzgerald
With Tommy Flanagan
With Etta Jones
With Sam Jones
With Junior Mance
With Helen Merrill
With Bobby Timmons
With Louie Bellson
With Johnny Frigo, Herb Ellis and Lou Carter
With Jay McShann
With Red Holloway, O. C. Smith and Phil Upchurch
With Waymon Reed
With C. I. Williams