Betty Wright, United States’ R&B Star, Dies at Age 66

The popular funk and soul star, Betty Wright, died after battling cancer, which was revealed by her niece on her twitter handle.

Bessie Regina Norris was an American soulful singer, songwriter and background vocalist, who died on May 10, 2020, in Miami, Florida. The famous vocalist known by her stage name Betty Wright rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Clean Up Woman” and “Tonight Is the Night.” She has also influenced lots of R&B singers and paved ways for artists.

Wright started her career at age 2 when she joined her siblings to form a gospel group and contributed effectively to the group’s first album. Betty Wright, who has already stick to her stage name, decided to switch to rhythm and blues after the gospel group broke-up.

Fortunately, she was signed at age 12 by a label (Deep City Records) after being spotted in a talent show, performing. Wright became famous after she released her first singles, “Thank You Baby” and “Paralyzed,” under the record label.

One of her hits, “Clean Up Woman,” written by Clarence Reid and Willie Clarke, tops the number six on the pop charts and the number two on the R&B charts and sold over 1 million copies of the single released, while she was 17 years old. Wright became successful at a young age with most of her songs topping the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.

Furthermore, Wright later won the Best R&B Song Grammy Award for composing “Where Is the Love.” She received one award from six nominations and album of the year after appearing in Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III.

Celebrities around the whole have all paid tribute to the Grammy-winner star, Betty Wright, and appreciated her effort for contributing so much to the music industry.

DJ Khalid paid tribute to her on his Instagram page;

“I loved being around Ms. Betty Wright,” added John Legend. “She was always so loving and giving to younger artists. Always engaged, always relevant. She will be missed.”

She was an incredible writer, producer, and mentor to young artists,” said Steve Greenberg, president of S-Curve Records, confirming her death from endometrial cancer.
Greenberg, who was on a lot of recordings with Betty Wright, called her “one of the most significant women in the history of R&B music, period.”

“You were so much more than your music,” added R&B star Ledisi. “We were blessed to be around royalty. Thank you. I will never forget.

Few out of others who paid their tribute on their social media pages are :