Musical News - Betty Wright

Betty Wright was a part of the sound of my youth. She was a singer, songwriter, vocal coach, legend, and icon. She passed away from cancer on May 10, 2020 at the age of 66.

Betty was born in Miami, FL, and as did many great artists, she got her start in the church. She sang with her siblings from the age of two as part of the gospel group The Echoes of Joy.

By the age of 14, Betty was so entrenched in the music business that she was discovering other artists and releasing her own music. In 1971, she released her first big hit “Clean Up Woman” at the age of 17.

In 1974, Ms. Wright co-wrote “Where is the Love” with producers Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch of KC & The Sunshine Band). This won Betty her first Grammy. In 1974, Ms. Wright also released “Tonight is the Night.”

Ms. Wright was the first black female artist to achieve a gold album on her own label in 1988.

Through the 2000s, Ms. Wright sang duets with and did backup work for other famous artists, and her work was sampled by the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, SWV, Mary J. Blige, Willie Dee, and Chance the Rapper.

Bessie Regina Norris Wright

(December 21, 1953 – May 10, 2020)
© 05/10/2020

Musical News - Andre Harrell

Andre Harrell, famed music executive, founder of Uptown Records, record producer and songwriter, and mentor to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and many others, has passed away of heart disease on May 7, 2020 at the age of 59.

Harrell was born in The Bronx, New York. Early on, Harrell formed a rap duo with Alonzo Brown, performing as Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde. In 1981, they released “Genius Rap,” which was a major hit.

In 1983, Harrell became a vice president and then general manager of Def Jam Records, leaving several years later to form Uptown. For a time, he was CEO of Motown. Throughout his career, he signed several great artists, including Mary J. Blige, Heavy D & the Boyz, Jodeci, and Teddy Riley. He was credited with changing the sound of R&B.

From 1994 to 1998, Harrell created and produced the hit police drama series, “New York Undercover.”

Although his name may not be known to all, Mr. Harrell was a success in all arenas of music.

Andre O’Neal Harrell

(September 26, 1960 – May 7, 2020)
© 05/10/2020

Musical News - Melvin Edmonds

It breaks my heart to inform you of the passing of Melvin Edmonds, older brother of Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and founding member of 1990s group After 7. We all loved the sound of After 7, who popularized such songs as “Heat of the Moment,” “Can’t Stop,” and “Ready or Not.”

Melvin was born in 1953 and died on May 18, 2019 after a brief illness, at the age of 65.

Melvin left After 7 for a period of time following some measure of discord, and was replaced by his son, Jason. Melvin returned to the group in 2016, prior to the release of “Timeless.”

After 7 was virtually off of the music scene for several years, during which Melvin suffered a stroke. But just listen to the opening bars of “Heat of the Moment” and the smooth voices, the suave looks, and the sexy moves of After 7 return to mind. We will all miss Melvin.

Melvin Edmonds [1953 – 05/18/2019]

© 05/21/2019

Musical News - Little Richard

Little Richard, who was often referred to as “The Innovator,” “The Originator, and the “Architect of Rock and Roll,” died on May 9, 2019 from bone cancer. He was 87 years old.

Richard Wayne Penniman was born on December 5, 1932 in Macon, GA to a religious family. He began singing in church at a very early age. By fifth grade, he played alto saxophone in his school’s marching band.

In 1947,  Richard began opening shows for Sister Rosetta Tharpe. He was inspired to play piano after hearing Ike Turner play “Rocket 88.” While still in high school, Richard left home and began performing in vaudeville shows.

Richard had his first hit in 1955, which was titled “Tutti Frutti” and sold a million copies. Other hits such as “Long Tall Sally” (1956), “Lucille” (1957), and “Good Golly Miss Molly” (1960) quickly followed.

In about 1958, Richard returned to his gospel roots and did not record secular music again until 1962.

 In 1986, Little  Richard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1993, he received a Grammy lifetime achievement award. He received so many accolades that it is difficult to name them all. He was well known for his flamboyant hairstyles, makeup, and clothes.

The story of Little Richard’s life was brought to the big screen in 2000, with Leon playing the lead role.

Richard was indubitably one of a kind. Although he had not performed publicly for some time before his death, he will never be forgotten.

 

Richard Wayne Penniman

(December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020)

Musical News - Bill Withers

Bill Withers, Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and musician, died on March 30, 2020 of heart complications, at the age of 81. Mr. Withers burst upon the scene in 1971 with “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Grandma’s Hands”. He continued his string of hits with “Lean on Me” and “Use Me,” both from 1972. He recorded “Lovely Day” in 1977 and then “Just the Two of Us” with Grover Washington Jr. in 1981. Mr. Withers was nominated for a total of nine Grammy Awards and won three. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Two of his songs, “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Just the Two of Us” were also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Bill was a force of nature, one of which was certainly a pleasure to deal with.

William “Bill” Harrison Withers Jr.  

July 4, 1939 – March 30, 2020

© 04/06/2020