To prove that, the Nashville band plans to release a song and video honoring the ever-popular 90-year-old actress (the one who beat them out for a Grammy in the "Best Spoken Word Album" category).
The fun-filled "Oh Betty (The Betty White Song)" will be released this fall to pay tribute to the wisecracking lady who has brought laughter to billions of fans around the world. A video of the song featuring a Betty White look-alike and dozens of silver-haired wannabes will be shot on Aug. 9 at the Palace Theater in Gallatin, Tenn., near Nashville.
"We're taking the Betty White craze to a new level," said WannaBeatles guitarist/trumpeter Bryan Cumming. "This is the first time a tribute song has been written and recorded for the actress. Our song is a fun little love letter put to music."
The WannaBeatles worked hard to craft a song that exudes the true spirit of what Betty White is all about. The toe-tapping, hook-driven tune is reminiscent of clever, song-along hits from the 1950s and '60s. The star said she was "very flattered" after listening to the song.
The Beatles tribute band has launched a "Calling All Bettys!" contest in an effort to find the best Betty White look-alike. The first-place winner will take center stage in the "Oh Betty" video at the Palace Theater in Gallatin, receive a cash prize, and enjoy a complimentary dinner for two at The Whippoorwill. Contest runners-up will be invited to fill the venue with a sea of Bettys. To enter the competition, individuals should send two photos (one close-up and one full-length) of themselves dressed in the most creative Betty attire to dsmusic1@me.com. All entries must be received by July 16. To learn more about the contest and hear a clip of the song, visit http://www.thewannabeatles.com/betty.htm.
"Although we lost, there's a wonderful Grammy connection between The WannaBeatles and Betty White," said WannaBeatles singer-guitarist Dennis Scott. "The WannaBeatles hold the unique honor of being the only group to lose a Grammy to the beloved star. But now during the 50th anniversary of the Beatles, we have the opportunity to be part of a new craze -- BettyMania!"
The WannaBeatles (Bryan Cumming, Nathan Burbank, Dennis Scott and David Toledo) received their first Grammy nomination in December as the producers of "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond", a CD featuring songs, stories, recollections and fond thoughts about The Beatles from celebrities and everyday fans. The project was nominated in the "Best Spoken Word Album" category. The other nominees included Tina Fey, Betty White, and Val Kilmer. The audio book features narration by George Harrison's older sister, Louise Harrison, with performances by The Liverpool Legends of Branson, Mo., and The WannaBeatles in Music City.
The WannaBeatles performed original Beatles-flavored songs on the CD. Heartfelt and amusing introspections were provided by fans, including special guests such as Nancy Lee Andrews, Janis Ian, Phil Keaggy, Melissa Manchester, Ken Mansfield, Alan Menken, Wesley Orbison, Bruce Spizer, Billy Swan, and Rod Davis of The Quarrymen.
Shortly after earning a Grammy nomination, The WannaBeatles launched a spirited campaign to meet Sir Paul McCartney at the awards show in Hollywood on Feb. 12. The campaign included the release of a new song and video, "We Wanna Meet Paul".
"Although we didn't get to meet Paul at the Grammy's, we haven't given up," said WannaBeatles percussionist David Toledo. "Betty and Beatles are an unbeatable combination. Maybe Betty can make the introduction for us. It ain't over till the funny lady sings!"
To learn more about The WannaBeatles or "Oh Betty! (The Betty White Song)", visit http://www.TheWannaBeatles.com or send an email inquiry to dsmusic1@me.com.
