BETTY WRIGHT THE ‘TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT’ SINGER DIES AT 66

Bessie Regina Norris popularly known as Betty Wright (December 21, 1953 – May 10, 2020) was an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter and background vocalist, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Tonight is the Night” and “Clean Up Woman”.

BETTY WRIGHT

Betty Wright was born in Miami, Florida, United States in 1953 and started singing gospel at the age of two, with her siblings in the group, Echoes of Joy. When they broke up, Wright was only 11. After switching to R&B she was signed at the age of 12. Her first hit was “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do”, which reached No. 33 in the US in 1968. The track was later sampled by Beyoncé.

BETTY WRIGHT

Betty Wright won a Grammy Award in 1974 for best R&B song “Where Is the Love”. Throughout the late 70s and early 80s, the singer-songwriter would continue releasing music and her 1988 hit “No Pain, (No Gain)” would be her last significant song on the charts in a career spanning five decades. But this did not stop Betty Wright, who would continue performing, writing and producing, as well as being an active member of The Recording Academy.

BETTY WRIGHT ON STAGE

Betty Wright was celebrated not only for her characterful songs but also her voice, which could reach the kind of piercing, ultra-high register the likes of Mariah Carey would later adopt. She released solo music throughout her life and collaborated with the hip-hop stars she influenced. Her 2011 album Betty Wright: The Movie was made with hip-hop group, the Roots, while her most recent album, 2014’s “Living Love Lies” featured rapper Rick Ross and rap producer DJ Khaled. She appeared alongside rappers Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean on a 2016 DJ Khaled track “Holy Key”.

BETTY WRIGHT ON STAGE

Betty Wright died on May 10, 2020 at the age of 66 from yet to be disclosed illness.