Iconic Betty Wright, Soul and R&B Singer Dies of Cancer at Age of 66

Bessie Regina Norris, more popularly known as Betty Wright, passed away on Sunday, May 10. The iconic soul and R&B singer, 66, succumbed to cancer at her Miami home. Wright became famous for her singles "Clean Up Woman," "No Pain (No Gain)," and "Tonight is the Night."

The news of Wright's death was confirmed by Steve Greenberg, president of S-Curve Records, to Billboard. The soul and R&B legend had been battling endometrial cancer since the fall of last year, according to the New York Times. Greenberg, in his statement, said he collaborated with Wright on several projects, and he branded her as "one of the foundations of S-Curve's creative family." The president/ founder called Wright as "one of the most significant women in the history of R&B music, period."

Wright has been nominated six times in the Grammys. She received an award in 1975 for best R&B song for the single "Where is the Love."

The sudden demise came in after a week that Chaka Khan took to social media her concern about Wright. On May 2, she tweeted that the Grammy-winning singer needed prayers. There were no further details on her shout-out.

Several music artists paid tribute to the iconic soul and R&B singer-songwriter when they learned of her passing. John Legend tweeted that he loved being around her. He wrote of Wright's unselfish trait, saying she was "so loving and giving to younger artists." He spoke of how she was always engaged and remained relevant.

Ledisi, an R&B and jazz artist, thanked Wright for "being a master teacher, a friend." Calling her "one of the greatest female soul singers in our industry," she went on to say that the iconic singer was more than her music.

Snoop Dogg on his Instagram, posted a short song video of Wright and wrote of his gratefulness for the "fellowship mentoring and prayers and blessing" she shared with the rapper at her house in Florida.

Bob Marley's grandson, Jamaican singer-songwriter Skip Marley, called her "beloved aunty, mentor, and vocal coach" on his tweet. He attested that Wright stood by him, "every step of the way."

Betty Wright's career

Music was in the veins of Bessie Regina Norris. She been into it as early as the age of two and grew up singing with her family's gospel group until she landed her record contract when she was 12. Her debut album, "My First Time Around," was released when she was just 15 years old in 1968. The track from the album "Girls Can't Do What the Guys Do" reached the Billboard Hot 100 at the top 40.

Her famous single, "Clean Up Woman," released in 1972, peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100 charts. She scored hits with her other songs, "Tonight is the Night" and the Grammy-winning single of "Where is the Love."

Wright formed her record label in 1985 under Ms. B Records, where she released the "Mother Wit" album that featured the song "No Pain (No Gain)." The R&B legend worked closely with singers and rappers for the past decades, notably with Snoop Dog and Sean "P Diddy" Combs. The late Wright was successful in her right as a songwriter, arranger, and producer with a list of credits that include Alice Cooper, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, and the Miami Sound Machine, Jennifer Lopez, Bob Marley, among others.