Singer Betty Wright Is Dead

Soul and R&B singer Betty Wright has died at the age of 66. Born Bessie Regina Norris in Miami, Florida, Wright has passed away on Mother's Day from cancer. Grammy-winning Wright's singing and songwriting 5-decade career began where her life ended, Miami, Florida.

Wright's song "Clean Up Woman" from 1971 put her on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a total of 14 weeks. The song traveled to number two on the R&B chart then crossed over to the pop chart where it peaked at number 6. In 1972 she went to number 6 on the R&B chart with "Baby Sitter". On the Grammy Award-winning song "Where Is the Love", Wright collaborated with Harry Wayne Casey (KC of KC and the Sunshine Band) to take it to number 2 on the dance chart. The song also charted in the UK.

"The Very Best of Betty Wright" was released in 2001 along with a long-overdue studio album.

In 2006, Wright was a vocal coach on Making the Band where she mentored young singers. And in 2005 worked on "Mind Body & Soul" with Joss Stone.

The news of Betty Wright's death was announced in Miami by her niece.