In 1977, Betty moved to Lansing to work in the Michigan Senate. Her singing career resumed when she met Sandy Izenson, a talented local pianist: “He could play any tune I called, in any key I wanted—without charts.”

Soon Betty and Sandy were playing weekly at Aux Delices, as well as at country clubs and local lounges. She then partnered with Dr. Fred Mitchell, Jr., a talented pianist and bassist, and began her career in smooth jazz. In 1988, she adopted the name “Satin Sounds,” and became a much-sought-after vocalist in mid-Michigan. Her just-released CD, Love Remembers, features a quartet of mid-Michigan all stars - Jeff Kressler, piano; Ed Fedewa, bass; Jeff Hall, reeds; Fred Knapp, drums.

From the Grand Rapids Press: “Baxter has a club singer’s voice—sensuous and intimate. The softer she sings, the more you pay attention.”

Betty is well known in central Michigan having performed at the Lansing Old Town Jazz Festival, the Michigan Festival, Lansing Riverfest, MSU ‘Jazz at the Museum’, and their annual Chocolate Party, In 2008, during the presidential campaign, she dipped once again into American popular music history and presented a program of political satire in song for Lansing Matinee Musicale.
Betty is a self-taught pianist and a life-long music student—studying at Jamey Aebersold’s Summer Jazz Camp and at Lansing Community College in a New and Experimental Music course.

Betty Baxter’s life is music—or, her music is her life. As a performer she is engaging; her personal style is infectious; and her musicianship is impeccable. Betty and Margaret Whiting would have gotten along famously; Betty and Jo Stafford could have sung silky smooth duets; and Bobby Short would have loved her.