Soul legend Betty Wright has died. Wright, known for her hit songs “Clean Up Woman” and “No Pain, No Gain,” was 66. Wright's neice confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, “I just lost my aunt this morning…and now my mood has changed…sleep in peace aunty Betty Wright. Fly high angel.”
The cause of death hasn't been revealed as of yet but her rep confirmed that she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer back in the fall.
Last week, Chaka Khan took to social media to ask fans to pray for Wright. She wrote, “Calling all my #PrayWarriors. My beloved sister, Betty Wright @MsBettyWright, is now in need of all your prayers. Que Sera, Sera | Whatever Will Be, Will Be” In Jesus Name We Pray for Sister Betty, All My Love Chaka.”
Betty was born in Miami, Florida and sang with her family gospel group called Echoes of Joy. Her professional career started when she was 15 and she released her debut album My First Time Around, which features her single “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do.”
By the time she was 18, she released her album I Love The Way You Love, which featured her `1971 hit “Clean Up Woman,” which skyrocketed her career. In 1974,she won a Best Song Grammy for her song “Where Is The Love?” Her other hits include “Tonight Is The Night,” “Shoorah Shoorah,” 1988's “No Pain, No Gain” and “Mother Wit.”
After the 80s, Wright was an active member of the Recording Academy and was an avid songwriter. She had written songs for Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. She had received more Grammy nominations for her work with singer Joss Stone as well. In 2016, Wright was featured on DJ Khaled‘s hit “Holy Key.” Last month, Wright was featured on an episode of TV One’s Unsung.
Wright had five children and was preceded in death by her son 21-year-old Patrick who was shot and killed in 2005.
