Bethany Joy Galeotti: the Joy of “One Tree Hill”

Douglas Boultinghouse
Staff Writer

  With the trend of actors-turned-singers and vice versa increasing, how many actually possess raw and distinctive talent?  I can only think of one.
   Bethany Joy Galeotti, previously credited as Bethany Joy Lenz or Joie Lenz, starred in several musical theater productions, television shows and movies before gaining the recognition she deserved.

   Leaping from her role as Michelle Bauer Santos on “Guiding Light” to her most notable role as Haley James Scott on “One Tree Hill,” Galeotti gained the platform to show off her effortless ability to master dramatic scenes and a new fan base as a budding singer-songwriter.

   In character as Scott, Galeotti sang on occasion at the local café and nightclub in the fictional Tree Hill, N.C., which lead to the writing of a tour into the script of the show as Scott ventured off with Chris Keller, portrayed by fellow singer-songwriter Tyler Hilton.

   Galeotti (then by her maiden name of Lenz) and Hilton’s duet of Ryan Adams’ “When the Stars Go Blue,” which climbed the charts in 2005, sent listeners searching for more music.
   While on the actual “One Tree Hill Tour” with Tyler Hilton, Gavin DeGraw and The Wreckers, she sold her independent release “Come on Home” at shows. The album, along with her first independent album “Preincarnate,” became rare gems only to be found online on eBay.

Courtesy of The CW

   Galeotti later performed a song titled “Halo” on the show under her character’s name, which appeared on the second installment of the shows soundtrack. As music caused problems for Scott’s marriage, her music career on the show halted.

   During Scott’s musical hiatus, Galeotti began working on her first major label debut. Mid-way through the process, Epic Records parted ways with Galeotti, leaving the record unfinished. Also during this time, she married Michael Galeotti, of the band Enation.

   Two years and seasons later, Galeotti gave fans what they had been waiting for—a taste of new music. Her “Tree Hill” character attempted to rekindle her dreams of recording music. Two songs, “Feel This” with her husband’s band and a duet with folk-rock singer Grace Potter titled “I Want Something That I Want,” worked their way into the show.
   What makes Galeotti so appealing?

   When not playing a teacher/recording artist and mother battling a kidnapping nanny on television, she can channel every bit of her emotion and personality into her songs and captivating voice.
   On her original ballad “Honestly,” from the album “Preincarnate,” the simple music takes the backseat to her raw voice singing incredibly ‘honest’ lyrics.

   “Please believe / That I tried my best to forget you / But the memories keep flooding back like tears / I didn't mean to fall in love / Sitting her just waiting for this is torture / I'm so glad you're far away / Is that a terrible thing to say / But I wonder if you're okay,” she sings.

   The simple, catchy chorus of “Mr. Radioman” playing along to a folk-blues beat keeps you bobbing in tune until a false ending picks back up. At that moment, she sings one note in a pitch so high Mariah Carey would be ashamed, you freeze in your tracks.

   “Don't you talk to me, Mr. Radioman / Cause the snow's on the ground and I'm staying in bed / And I walked a million miles in my dream last night / So turn down your voice and let know it's all right,” Gaelotti sings.

   The clever songwriter emerges on “Songs in My Pockets,” the only single from her “Come on Home” release.
   “Notes in my drawers, songs in my pockets / Fragments of letters that you sent / Leftover phone calls, cologne in the bath / I still have that bottle of Rosé / Staring at your photograph, tryin’ to take it down / There’s still a stirring in my heart,” she sings. “And honey I just can't get around it anymore / You make me feel like home is where you are / And baby I just can't run around it every morn’n / It’s time that I believe it, home is where you are.”

   The magic that sums up Bethany Joy Galeotti cannot be described. Though simple and mellow, one listen to her voice draws you in, leaving you begging for more. Her poetic use of words allows you to explore new ways of looking at life.

   This artist’s only true definition lies in her middle name: Joy.
   For a glimpse at Galeotti’s charm, turn on “One Tree Hill” and watch her grace the screen as Haley James Scott. To give your ears an unforgettable experience, visit iTunes and download her “Tree Hill” cuts “When the Stars Go Blue,” “Halo,” “Feel This” and “I Want Something That I Want.” After being blown away by those, hunt around on eBay and visit old record shops to find those rare, out-of-print gems.

   Galeotti will add producer and director to her resume as she produces a musical of “The Outsiders” with Carole King and Garry Marshall and takes on the title of director of an upcoming episode of “One Tree Hill.”

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