John Bettis

Biography

John Gregory Bettis (born October 24, 1946) is an American lyricist and songwriter whose songs have sold more than 250 million records worldwide, recorded by some of the most prominent artists of the late twentieth century. His work crosses many musical genres. He is best known for his long-running collaboration with Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters, co-writing hits such as “Top of the World,” “Yesterday Once More,” “Only Yesterday,” and “Goodbye to Love.” Bettis also wrote chart-topping songs for artists including Michael Jackson (“Human Nature”), Whitney Houston (“One Moment in Time”), Madonna (“Crazy for You”), the Pointer Sisters (“Slow Hand”), and George Strait (“Heartland”).

Over his career, Bettis has earned two Emmy Awards, and nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and multiple Grammy Awards. His songs have appeared on the soundtracks of major motion pictures, and he co-wrote theme songs for television series such as Growing Pains, Empty Nest, and My Sister Sam. In 2011, he was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The list of songs with Bettis' lyrics numbers over 1000.

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