The music industry has suffered another tragic loss this weekend with the passing of Betty Wright who died at 66-years-old, TMZ reports. Wright's niece confirmed the news, though no cause of death has been revealed at this point.
Wright was a prolific singer, songwriter, and producer during her career who influenced and inspired the generations that came after her. Releasing her first single at 18 years old with "Clean Up Woman," she became a revolutionary figure in the music industry throughout her lifetime. In the 80s, she launched her own independent label which was unheard of by any female artist. Through the label, she released the single, "No Pain (No Gain)" that ultimately became a notable phrase in the English language.
Though she worked as a solo artist with a steady stream of albums and singles being released throughout the 80s and 90s, her work as a record producer, background singer, and songwriter can be heard on tracks with Stevie Wonder, David Byrne, Peter Tosh, Gloria Estefan and more.
Wright's music was heavily sampled throughout the course of hip-hop but she also has been involved with some of the biggest names int he game. She's worked on songs with Diddy, Nas, and Rick Ross in the past, as well as DJ Khaled who she worked with on "Holy Key." She also collaborated with Lil Wayne on Tha Carter III's "Playing With Fire."
Rest In Peace, Betty Wright.
