In Memory: Sweet Betty

We are deeply saddened to share that “Sweet Betty” Echols Journey passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026. A beloved member of the Atlanta blues scene, she would have celebrated her 77th birthday this week.

Sweet Betty owned the stages of Atlanta and beyond for decades with her powerful voice, singing with the likes of saxophone legend Grady “Fats” Jackson and Muddy Water’s guitarist Bob “Steady Rollin” Margolin. When Music Maker Foundation met her in 2003, a few years after Fats’ passing, we helped her re-launch her career with the release of her solo album Live and Let Live. She performed for audiences across the United States and was especially beloved in Europe, where she toured multiple times.

“For more than 20 years, Sweet Betty was a treasured member of the Music Maker family,” says Tim Duffy, Music Maker co-founder and Executive Director. “She was part of a tight-knit community of Music Maker artists in Atlanta’s oft-overlooked blues scene, all from families that have been playing the blues in this region for over 100 years.

“Sweet Betty would really deliver a song, make you feel it. We shared stages together from Lucerne in Switzerland to Portsmouth in Maine. She brought immense joy to her beloved audiences.”

In the last song on her album, a deeply moving rendition of the gospel song “Walk Around Heaven,” Sweet Betty sang:

“When I get to Heaven, I’m going to jump and shout
There’ll be nobody there to put me out
My mother will be waiting, and my father, too
So we’ll just join together, and walk around Heaven all day”

We hope you’re enjoying the most beautiful walk right now, Sweet Betty. Thank you for your friendship and your music.

Sweet Betty’s celebration of life service will be held Tuesday, June 30 at 1:00 PM at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, GA. There are plans to livestream the service for those unable to attend in person.