Grammy-winning R&B singer Betty Wright dies at 66
Grammy-winning R&B singer Betty Wright has died at 66.
The death was acknowledged on Wright's official Facebook page with a post from the immediate family saying the singer "transitioned to be with the Lord" on May 10 and calling for privacy during the "solemn time of bereavement."
The New York Times and Billboard report the singer died from cancer at her home in Miami.
Wright, who sang "Clean Up Woman," "No Pain, (No Gain)" and "Tonight Is the Night," was nominated for six Grammy Awards and won one for best rhythm and blues song in 1976 for "Where Is the Love?"
Born Bessie Regina Norris, she was singing at an early age and released her first album, "My First Time Around," at age 14. "Clean Up Woman," perhaps Wright's most iconic song, was released when she was 17.
Over the course of Wright's career, she released around 20 albums, most recently "Living Love Lies" in 2014, which featured appearances from Rick Ross and DJ Khaled. Her 2011 album, "Betty Wright: The Movie" was a collaboration with The Roots and featured performers Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg. In recent years, she also produced music for Diddy and Kelly Clarkson.
"The most memorable time in my career, I hope, hasn't even occurred yet," she said in a 2013 video interview with ViewNowTV. "I hope that I'm making memories every day. I hope that everything I do is a memory. I hope that the best is yet to come."
The news of Wright's death comes days after singer Chaka Khan tweeted that her "beloved sister, Betty Wright, is now in need of all your prays."
Chuck D posted on social media that he was "floored" by the news of her passing.
"I loved being around Ms Betty Wright," John Legend tweeted. "She was always so loving and giving to younger artists. Always engaged, always relevant. She will be missed."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Betty Wright, Grammy-winning R&B singer, dies at 66
