Betty Wright, The Grammy-Winning Award Songwriter And Vocalist, Dies At 66
The music community and loyal fans of R&B, funk, and soul music worldwide were thrown into despondent grief as Sunday, the 10th of May 2020, brought the news of Betty Wright’s death. This great icon who was aged 66 also happens to be one of America’s renowned Grammy-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and background vocalist. Wright died on May 10, 2020, from cancer at her home in Miami.
Who Is Betty Wright?
Bessie Regina Nossie better known as Betty Wright was born in 1953 in Miami, Florida. Despite being the youngest of seven children, Wright Began her singing career early. Wright started her music career singing with Echoes of joy, a family gospel group until she turned 11. Wright contributed to vocals on the group’s first album, released in 1956. Wright and her siblings performed together until 1965.
At age 12, after breaking out of the group, Wright switched music styles from gospel to rhythms and blues. She began to rise to fame in Miami when “Thank you baby” and “Paralysed” were signed by a record label owner in deep city record in 1966.
She began her journey into the limelight when she turned 17 in 1971, about a year later, she released her signature song titled “Clean up woman”. The record remained on the R&B charts for eight weeks, sold over a million copies, and also emerged on the billboard hot 100 for fourteen weeks. She further went on to be sampled by chance the rapper, Afrika Bambaataa, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, willie D, and even Sublime.
Source: wikipedia
What Were Her Achievements:
-
- Wright is renowned for her Grammy-Award win which she received from six nominations. she emerged and won the best R&B song award for composing “Where is the love?”
- Betty Wright made history as the first black woman to earn a Gold album on her own record label (Ms. B records) at 18, and a Grammy at 23. The album was notable for several hits, including “No Pain, No Gain” and “After the Pain.”
- She’s remained a mighty and renowned figure in popular culture ever since, and even after her comeback in 2010. Popularly acclaimed musicians have featured her music in their work and she has worked with multiple famed stars of the current era like Stevie Wonder, Stephen Stills, David Byrne, Alice Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Erykah Badu, Bob Marley, Gloria Estefan, and Miami Sound Machine, Keyshia Cole, P. Diddy, Kelly Clarkson and Nas.
Source: blackpast.
Some Interesting Facts You Should Know
- Tonight Is the Night,’ Was Lauded by DJ Khaled & Lil Wayne in a March 2020 Episode of ‘Unsung’ (check the songwriters “Mountain for songs today” MOST).
- Wright’s song “Dry Well” was written in tribute to her son, Patrick Parker who was shot dead at the age of 21. The incident had happened at a holiday party in the Opa-Laka community in South Florida
On May 2nd, 2020, popular singer Chaka khan had taken to her twitter handle and asked fans to pray for Wright. She had tweeted right here:
“Calling all my #PrayWarriors | My beloved sister, Betty Wright @MsBettyWright, is now in need of all your prayers. “Que Sera, Sera | Whatever Will Be, Will Be.” In Jesus Name We Pray for Sister Betty. All My Love Chaka.”
On the 10th of May 2020, Wright’s niece had tweeted openly to declare Wright’s death.
“Sleep in peace aunty Betty Wright. Fly high angel.”
Some popular artists and pop singers also took to their social media pages to express their shock at the demise of a legendary Queen. DJ khaleed had said:
You are one of my realest friends! You are like a mom to me! You had my back from the very beginning! … Betty Wright is legendary!”
Lil Wayne had also taken to social media to say here:
“You showed me how to believe in myself when others doubt. How to be me even when it may not be the me that they want.”
Bessie Regina Nossie has left a mark of passion and therapy for her world and generations to come. It is safe to say that her vibrant spirit and legacy will live forever. I stan a true Black queen!!
All images were gotten from twitter.com
What's Your Reaction?
