Hidden Gems: Betty Wright and her legacy

Yo Ho! WeRCatz here!

Betty White and Betty Wright. Say this three times fast.

Kidding aside, Twitter had both names trending and it is really Betty Wright we will be talking about. An R&B legend, she also left her mark in disco, soul, gospel, and funk. Recently deceased on 10 May 2020, Wright started her career at age 14 with her 1968 debut album My First Time Around. Since then, Betty Wright has made a name for herself as a backup singer, singer, and songwriter. Let’s look at some of her music:

“Clean Up Woman” is her signature song from her 1972 album I Love The Way You Love. She sings about the “clean up woman,” a woman who steals men away from ungrateful women who takes her man for granted. The guitar lick is iconic and Wright’s vocals are as soulful as can be.

“Where Is The Love” is a proto-disco piece that predates disco. This song was produced by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch (the future members of K.C. & The Sunshine Band). Wright won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for the composition of “Where Is The Love.” This song is followed up with another proto-disco song “Shoorah! Shoorah!”

Wright has a powerful whistle register vocal. “Baby Sitter” and “Let Me Be Your Lovemaker” are prime examples of such a talent.

“Tonight Is The Night” describes Wright’s first sexual experiences. The original studio version was successful, but her live performance in 1978 gained more attention and praise.

She made a comeback in the 1980s with “No Pain, No Gain” and “After The Pain.”

Wright sang background with other musicians. A notable example is Alice Cooper’s “No Tricks.”

Betty Wright’s death is a tremendous loss and her contributions to music cannot be ignored. She will be missed.