Getting to Know Betty Lynn Grodnitzky (Bracha-Shira)

Betty Lynn Grodnitzky (known also by her Hebrew name Bracha-Shira), is well-known for her multiple artistic and creative abilities--singer, dancer, artist, producer of music-art videos, radio hostess, author, and wild-life photographer.

Betty was born in Baltimore, Md., where she graduated Western High School, earning the Peabody Medal for outstanding scholastic achievement, and honored as the Maryland State Champion in both typing and shorthand, and esteemed to be chosen the first Student-Editor of Western's prestigious Handbook, in the school's hundred-year history. After schooling, she worked for the Social Security Administration, and soon married Charles Stanley Grodnitzky. They had two children, a son and daughter. In her early years of marriage, Betty did part-time TV and magazine modeling, and was also an interior designer of sample homes for builders in the Maryland area. Throughout these years, she studied voice, and eventually became a recording artist, known by the professional name B.L. Grant. Her recordings were widely aired on easy-listening stations. When confronted with the opportunity to perform in Las Vegas, and do a cameo role in a film, she made a dramatic turn in the direction of her professional career, changing her repertoire to inspirational music. This new music field opened the door to the opportunity and privilege of singing for the highest ranking political and religious leaders of both America and Israel. The impressive list of people for whom she appeared singing include three Israeli Ambassadors, Dr.Billy Graham, Heads of State, Senators, Congressmen, and Baltimore’s former Mayor/Governor Wm. Donald Schaefer. Other spheres in which she was privileged to sing include sharing her singing talent by performing for the elderly, for children, for disabled servicemen, and for the under privileged. In addition to her public appearances, she produced and moderated a radio program called ‘Songs of Hope’, for a period of four years.

Though having had no professional training as a painter, Betty has become recognized as a unique painter of biblical art, (the artistic field she entered after the loss of her husband in 1989). In 2007, she authored a book entitled, “Tribute To Jerusalem, Art From The Heart”, which showcases many of her biblical paintings. Alongside the biblical series, she has created a series of Paintings in Honor of America, inspired by the tragedy of 9-11. Her paintings have been exhibited often in various venues, and can be seen on this Website under ‘PAINTINGS’. Betty is also the producer of ten music/art videos, which combine her musical recordings together with her paintings and creative art designs. These videos can be seen on you tube and on this Website under ‘MUSIC’.

In the autumn of 2014, Betty was visited by a unique wildlife animal that she lovingly named Bambele’. Since that time, she has compiled well more than 30,000 photographs, and hundreds of videos of this special deer. In 2018, Betty authored two books entitled “Bambele’, The Gift of Love Wrapped In Fur” and “Getting To Know Bambele’s Furry and Feathered Backyard Friends”.  The story of her poignant relationship with these animals comes to life through her amazing photographs. The books are dedicated to her beloved daughter who died in 1996, and who, like her mother, ‘talked with the animals’. The Barnes & Noble Bookstore hosted two book- signing events where Betty introduced these books. The American Visionary Art Museum exhibited a presentation of Betty’s heart-warming story as part of their showing entitled “Parenting”, and a local TV station did a compelling video interview about this unusual phase of Betty’s life.

Most recently, Betty has authored two early-learning books, using her extraordinary backyard photos of Bambele’ and friends as a means of teaching young children. The books are entitled, “Words of Wisdom From Bambele’ and Friends” and “Learning The ABC’s With Bambele’ and Friends”. Knowing how very much children, of all ages, are drawn to animals, it is Betty’s desire to see myriads of children experience joy while looking at photographs of animated animals and birds; and learning valuable lessons at the same time. More information about these books can be seen on this Website under ‘BOOKS’.

Betty wholeheartedly believes that all her talents are ‘gifts from G-d’, entrusted to her to be used ‘for good’, to bring blessings to others. Her entire story is recounted in her autobiography entitled, “A TIME TO SPEAK”.