John Bettis

John Bettis is a Grammy-nominated and Emmy Award-winning American lyricist whose work has spanned pop, rock, country, and musical theatre. Best known for his long-standing collaborations with pop icons such as The Carpenters, Madonna, and Michael Jackson, Bettis has written lyrics for some of the most memorable and beloved songs of the past five decades. His lyrics are celebrated for their emotional resonance, narrative clarity, and timeless appeal.

Born on October 24, 1946, in Long Beach, California, Bettis attended California State University, Long Beach, where he met Richard Carpenter. This connection led to his early and defining work with The Carpenters, co-writing hits such as “Top of the World,” “Only Yesterday,” and “Goodbye to Love.” These songs not only helped define the Carpenters’ signature sound but also established Bettis as a lyricist capable of capturing intimacy, melancholy, and optimism in equal measure.

Beyond The Carpenters, Bettis found success across genres and generations. He co-wrote “Human Nature” for Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, one of the best-selling albums of all time. His collaboration with Madonna on “Crazy for You” earned him an Academy Award nomination and solidified his status in the pop music world. Other notable artists who have recorded his lyrics include Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, George Strait, and Barbra Streisand, showcasing the broad appeal of his work.

Bettis has also made significant contributions to television and film music, earning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song for the theme to the animated series Life with Louie and writing songs for movies such as The Godfather Part III and Vision Quest. In the world of musical theatre, he co-wrote the lyrics for the stage adaptation of The Prince of Egypt, which premiered in London in 2020, further demonstrating his versatility and enduring relevance.

John Bettis’s songs have earned multiple industry accolades and have been featured on countless gold and platinum albums. His ability to pair melody with meaningful, accessible lyrics has left a lasting imprint on the American songbook. With a career defined by artistic integrity and commercial success, Bettis continues to be regarded as one of the great lyricists of the modern era.