Betty Wright: R&B Legend Dies at 66
Legendary R&B/soul singer Betty Wright, who sang “Tonight Is the Night,” “No Pain, (No Gain)” and “Clean Up Woman,” died at age 66, according to Billboard. Billboard reports that Wright died from cancer.
Betty Wright — born Bessie Regina Norris in 1953 — started her music career at a young age, releasing her debut album, My First Time Around, in 1968 at age 15. It featured a top 40 song, “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do.”
One of her most popular songs was 1972’s “Clean Up Woman,” which peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100, and would go on to be sampled by numerous artists, including Mary J. Blige, Afrika Bambaataa and Sublime.
In 2003, she co-produced The Soul Sessions, a collection of classic ’60s and ’70s R&B songs for British singer Joss Stone. Three years later, in 2006, she was a vocal coach on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ television show Making the Band.
In 2011, she teamed up with The Roots for the collaborative album, Betty Wright: The Movie, which featured guest appearances by Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Stone.
Earlier today, John Legend tweeted, “She was always so loving and giving to younger artists. Always engaged, always relevant. She will be missed.”
I loved being around Ms Betty Wright. She was always so loving and giving to younger artists. Always engaged, always relevant. She will be missed https://t.co/JGefXj5jgx
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 10, 2020
Floored by the loss of Betty Wright. Whenever I would see her it was Ms Wright Ma’am . I would always address her as such ... whew R I P this week
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) May 10, 2020
RIP Betty Wright. An R&B Legend. Loved Your Singing And Songs Over Decades. So Many More Should Know Your Work But Those Who Do Won't Forget You.https://t.co/NQXZjcz2mw via @billboard
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) May 10, 2020
R.I.P. BETTY WRIGHT...
— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) May 10, 2020
In Texas, You're A Staple In The Black Family Household...
All Of Your Hits Are Memorized...One Of The Definitions Of A CLASSIC!!!
SALUTE TO The "CLEAN UP WOMAN" 🙏🏾💞💗💕🌹🌷🌺 pic.twitter.com/IyVDTuANqw
