Betty Smith

"Betty presents her music in the same way she learned it (so well from the great ballad singers of North Carolina), like laying down a new-born baby on a feather bed: totally consumed by it and still completely in awe of it. The song is all-important and Betty uses her considerable talent to draw attention from herself to the music."
- John McCutcheon, JUNE APPAL RECORDS

The Dr. Gene Wiggins Award 2000
In recognition of long and significant contributions to traditional music in North Georgia.

Outstanding contributions to Appalachian Literature 1999
Appalachian Writers Association

Brown-Hudson Award, 2001
North Carolina Folklore Society
In recognition of valuable contributions to the study of North Carolina folklore.

Willie Parker Peace History Book Award 1998
North Carolina Society of Historians for
Jane Hicks Gentry: A Singer Among Singers

Paul Green Multimedia Award 1999
North Carolina Society of Historians for "A Mountain Riddle" - A Monodrama

Recognition for Outstanding Service and Performance
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, 1997

Smithsonian American Sampler Series 1997

Honoree, Memphis Dulcimer Festival, 1997

Honoree, California Traditional Music Society 1996

Bascom Lamar Lunsford Award 1982
For Significant Contributions to Appalachian Music

Alumni Distinguished Service Award 1994
University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Mellon Research Fellowship 1988

Board of Directors and Vice Chairman 1989 - 1999
John C. Campbell Folk School

Traditional Music Committee, Berea College 1977 - 2000

"Habitat" - United Nations Conference, Vancouver, B. C. 1976

Advisory Board, "Appalachia Sounding"

Concert - Modern Language Association National Convention

Advisory Board, Byard Ray Folk Festival

Organizer & Director, Chattahoochee Folk Music Festival

Past President, Organizer, Atlanta Area Friends of Folk Music

Bascom Lamar Lunsford Award
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival 2002

Minstrel of Appalachia Award
Mars Hill College 2005