Hubbry Logo
Syreeta WrightSyreeta WrightMain
Open search
Syreeta Wright
Community hub
Syreeta Wright
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Syreeta Wright
Syreeta Wright
Syreeta Wright
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Syreeta Wright (born Rita Wright, February 28, 1946 – July 6, 2004),[1] known mononymously as Syreeta, was an American singer-songwriter, best known for her music during the early 1970s through the early 1980s. Wright's career heights were songs in collaboration with her ex-husband Stevie Wonder and musical artist Billy Preston.

Biography

[edit]

Early life and career

[edit]

Wright, who was of African-American heritage, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States,[5] in 1946, and started singing at the age of four. Her father, Lordian Wright, served in the Korean War and was killed there. Wright and her sister Kim[6] were raised by their mother Essie and their grandmother. The Wrights moved back and forth from Detroit to South Carolina, before finally settling in Detroit just as Wright entered high school. Money problems kept Wright from pursuing a career in ballet, so she focused her attention on a music career joining several singing groups, before landing a job as a receptionist for Motown in 1965.[5] Within a year, she became a secretary for Mickey Stevenson, just as Martha Reeves had done before her.

A year later, Edward Holland of the Holland–Dozier–Holland songwriting team noticed Wright's singing and decided to try her out for demos of Supremes' songs. However, in those days, the team of composers Ashford and Simpson had joined Motown and their songs were initially supervised by established producers. Edward's brother, composer and producer Brian Holland, co-wrote "I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You" with the couple, and produced it with Lamont Dozier for Syreeta. Brian felt Syreeta was a hard name to pronounce, and that Rita Wright would make a good stage name, so Wright's first solo single was released in January 1968[5] under that name, with "Something On My Mind" on the flip side. It is often said that the song was initially written for the Supremes (by then billed as "Diana Ross & the Supremes"), but Motown session logs indicate that the backing track was not recorded for anyone else previously. Later, Diana Ross re-recorded the song for her solo album, Surrender, released in 1971.

Wright also performed demo vocals for the Supremes hit "Love Child" and for Ross' version of "Something On My Mind", released on her self-titled debut album. When Diana Ross left the Supremes in early 1970, Motown boss Berry Gordy considered replacing her with Wright, but offered the place in the group to Jean Terrell. According to several sources, Gordy then changed his mind and tried to replace Terrell with Wright, but this was vetoed by member Mary Wilson[7] since Terrell had already been formally announced as the new lead singer in the media and at the final performance of the Ross-led incarnation of the group.

Wright also sang background on records by the Supremes and by Martha and the Vandellas, notably singing the chorus to the group's modest hit single, "I Can't Dance to That Music You're Playing". Wright met labelmate Stevie Wonder in 1968,[5] and the two began dating the following year. On the advice of Wonder, Wright became a songwriter. Their first collaboration, "It's a Shame", was recorded by The Spinners, in 1969. Motown withheld its release until July 1970. The song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Wright also began singing backing for Wonder, most notably on the hit "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)", which Wright co-wrote with Wonder.[5] On 14 September 1970, after a year-long courtship, Wright, 24, and Wonder, 20, married in Detroit.[5] The couple then wrote and arranged songs for Wonder's Where I'm Coming From,[5] which was released much to Berry Gordy's chagrin in the spring of 1971. The Wonder–Wright composition "If You Really Love Me" (which also featured Wright prominently singing background vocals) reached number 8 in the US that year. In 1971 the couple relocated to New York City.

Solo career

[edit]

In between working with Wonder on his albums, Wright decided to return to her own singing career.[5] Motown reassigned the singer from Motown's Gordy imprint, where "I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You" was released, to Motown's L.A.-based MoWest subsidiary. Wonder and Wright had marriage troubles and divorced in the summer of 1972, ending their 18-month marriage.[5] Following their divorce, Wonder oversaw the production of Wright's first solo album, Syreeta (released on June 20, 1972),[5] which included her take of Wonder's "I Love Every Little Thing About You" from Music of My Mind, the Smokey Robinson classic "What Love Has Joined Together", and The Beatles' "She's Leaving Home", which featured both Wonder and Wright applying background vocals via the talk box. MoWest issued "I Love Every Little Thing About You" in the late winter of 1972, but it failed to chart. Remaining best friends, Wright would continue to provide background vocals and compositions with Wonder for the next two decades.[5]

In 1974, Wright was again reassigned, this time to the Motown label proper (in the U.S.), and issued her second release, the aptly titled Stevie Wonder Presents: Syreeta that June.[5] Following the success of Minnie Riperton's Perfect Angel, which Wonder also produced, Wonder wanted to present Wright in the same light as Riperton as a sensual vocalist. The covers also were very similar to each other. Riperton added background vocals to the album, primarily at the end of the album track "Heavy Day". The album yielded the UK singles "I'm Goin' Left" (covered by Eric Clapton and Jerry Butler), "Spinnin' and Spinnin'" and the reggae-flavored "Your Kiss Is Sweet",[5] which became a UK top 40, reaching number 12 in 1975.[8] The album also featured one duet with G. C. Cameron, formerly of the Spinners.

Production on Wright's third album, One to One mainly produced by Leon Ware, who also produced Marvin Gaye and Riperton, went on for two years. The album featured the sole Wonder production, "Harmour Love", which later would find some success after being featured on the 2005 movie Junebug. During this period Syreeta also made vocal contributions to two albums by American jazz saxophonist Gary Bartz - Juju Man (1976) and Music Is My Sanctuary (1977). In 1977, she teamed up again with G.C. Cameron on the duet album, Rich Love, Poor Love.

Wright's next effort came courtesy of a chance meeting with Billy Preston, who had signed with Motown in early 1979. Motown assigned the two to collaborate on a pop ballad for the movie Fast Break.[5] Wright and Preston provided the soundtrack of the film and their first collaboration, "With You I'm Born Again", resulted in an international hit reaching number-four US and number-two UK in early 1980.[9] The success of the song led Motown to renew Wright's contract, which was due to expire that year, with neither side looking to renegotiate. Wright and Preston continued their collaborations until the early 1980s including the 1981 duet album, Billy Preston & Syreeta.[5] Wright had also sung on Billy Preston's appearance on the debut episode of Saturday Night Live, on October 11, 1975.[10]

Wright still worked with Wonder during this period singing the lead vocals for their composition "Come Back as a Flower" for Wonder's 1979 album Journey through the Secret Life of Plants and also sung alongside Wonder on his 1980 song "As If You Read My Mind" for his Hotter than July album. Wright continued to provide background vocals until Wonder's 1995 album Conversation Peace.

Wright continued to record for Motown into the 1980s, releasing her second self-titled album in 1980, and the funk/boogie-oriented Set My Love in Motion in late 1981.[5] The album featured the minor R&B hit "Quick Slick", which peaked at number 41 R&B in early 1982. During that same time period, she added vocals to the theme song for the Canadian slasher-horror flick Happy Birthday to Me, known for starring Little House on the Prairie′s Melissa Sue Anderson. Wright then issued The Spell in 1983 produced by Jermaine Jackson,[5] and left Motown two years later after collaborating with Smokey Robinson for the soundtrack to Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon in 1985. She briefly recorded for Motorcity Records before retiring from show business for good in the mid-1990s and settling in Los Angeles with her four children.[5] In 1993, she joined the national touring cast of Jesus Christ Superstar in the role of Mary Magdalene, alongside original film stars Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson.[11] She stayed in the cast until 1995.[12] In 1997, she guested on British soul singer Omar's album, This Is Not a Love Song, singing the duet "Lullaby".[13]

Personal life and death

[edit]

Wright was married three times and had four children.[3][1] Her first marriage, to longtime collaborator Stevie Wonder, lasted 18 months, from September 1970 until 1972.[14] Wright married Curtis Robertson, with whom she had two children, Jamal (b. 1976) and Hodari (b. 1979).[15][1] Wright and Robertson divorced in 1982.

Wright briefly lived in Ethiopia in the mid-1970s, where she worked as a Transcendental Meditation teacher.[16] She eventually settled in Los Angeles, where she lived for the rest of her life.[17]

Wright died in 2004 of congestive heart failure, a side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments she was receiving for breast and bone cancer.[18] She is buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Title Peak positions
US
[19] 		US R&B
[19] 		AUS
[20]
1972 Syreeta 185 38 —
1974 Stevie Wonder Presents: Syreeta 116 53 93
1977 One to One — — —
Rich Love, Poor Love (with G.C. Cameron) — — —
1979 Music from the Motion Picture "Fast Break" (with Billy Preston) — — —
1980 Syreeta 73 39 —
1981 Set My Love in Motion 189 40 —
Billy Preston & Syreeta 127 48 —
1983 The Spell — — —
1990 With You I'm Born Again (Japan only) — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak positions Certifications Album
US
[21] 		US
R&B
[19] 		AUS
[20] 		UK
[22]
1968 "I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You" — — — — Non-album single
1972 "To Know You Is to Love You" — — — — Syreeta
"I Love Every Little Thing About You" — — — —
1974 "Come and Get This Stuff" — — — — Stevie Wonder Presents: Syreeta
"I'm Goin' Left" — — — —
"Spinnin' and Spinnin'" — — — 49
1975 "Your Kiss Is Sweet" — — — 12
"Harmour Love" — 75 — 32 One to One
"One to One" — — — —
1977 "Let's Make a Deal"
(with G.C. Cameron) 		— — — — Rich Love, Poor Love
1979 "With You I'm Born Again"
(with Billy Preston) 		4 86 21 2 Music from the Motion Picture "Fast Break"
"Go for It"
(with Billy Preston) 		108 — — —
"More Than Just a Friend"
(with Billy Preston) 		— — — —
1980 "It Will Come in Time"
(with Billy Preston) 		— — — 47 Late at Night
"One More Time for Love"
(with Billy Preston) 		52 72 — — Syreeta
"He's Gone" — — — —
"Love Fire" — — — —
"Let Me Be the One You Need" — — — —
1981 "A New Way to Say I Love You"
(with Billy Preston) 		— — — — Billy Preston & Syreeta
"Searchin'"
(with Billy Preston) 		106 — — —
"Just For You"
(with Billy Preston) 		— — — —
"Someone Special"
(with Billy Preston) 		— — — —
"Love"
(with Billy Preston) 		— — — —
"You Set My Love in Motion" — — — — Set My Love in Motion
"Can't Shake Your Love" — — — —
"I Must Be in Love" — — — —
"Move It, Do It" — — — —
1982 "Quick Slick" — 41 — —
1983 "Forever is Not Enough" — — — — The Spell
1989 "If the Shoe Fits" — — — — With You I'm Born Again
1991 "Watching the Hands of Time"
(with Billy Preston) 		— — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Other appearances

[edit]

With Gary Bartz

  • Ju Ju Man (Catalyst Records, 1976)

With Gary Bartz

  • Music Is My Sanctuary (Capitol Records, 1977)

With Donald Byrd

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Syreeta Wright

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Syreeta Wright (February 28, 1946 – July 6, 2004) was an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, renowned for her poetic lyrics, versatile voice, and pivotal role in Motown's creative scene during the 1970s. Born Rita Wright in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wright moved to Detroit as a teenager and began her music career at Motown Records in 1965 as a receptionist and secretary, later transitioning to backup vocals and demo singing. She gained prominence as a songwriter, co-authoring Stevie Wonder's 1970 hit "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" and the Spinners' "It's a Shame" that same year, both of which showcased her lyrical talent. Wright's solo debut album, Syreeta (1972), was produced by Wonder, whom she married on September 14, 1970, in a union that lasted until their divorce in 1972; their collaboration extended to her follow-up Stevie Wonder Presents: Syreeta (1974), blending soul, funk, and jazz elements. Over her career, she released nine albums, including One to One (1977) with producer Leon Ware and Set My Love in Motion (1981). Her most commercially successful single was the 1979 duet "With You I'm Born Again" with , which peaked at No. 4 on the and No. 2 in the UK, highlighting her emotive delivery in a gospel-infused . Wright also collaborated with luminaries like on his 1975 album Extra Texture (Read All About It) and , contributing to a diverse body of work that spanned , Tamla, and later labels like Geffen. Despite facing health challenges, including a battle with , Wright continued performing and recording into the 1990s, appearing in theater productions like (1994) and influencing later artists such as Solange and Omar with her introspective songwriting and style. She passed away at her home on July 6, 2004, at age 58, leaving a legacy as a multifaceted talent often overshadowed by her association with Wonder but celebrated for her independent artistic contributions.

Early life

Birth and family background

Syreeta Wright was born Rita Wright on February 28, 1946, in , . Her father, Lordian Wright, was a U.S. Army veteran who served in and was during the when she was five years old, leaving the family without his support. She was raised primarily by her mother, Essie Wright (née Spencer), along with her grandmother. Wright was one of three daughters in the family, with her sisters Kim and ; the household faced challenges following the loss of their father, relying on the mother's efforts to provide for them. From an early age, she showed an affinity for music, beginning to sing in church at four years old.

Upbringing and early influences

Following the death of her father in the when she was five years old, Syreeta Wright and her family relocated from to in search of better opportunities, eventually settling there after periods in . Raised primarily by her mother and grandmother amid financial hardships, Wright's early years were marked by frequent moves between and before the family established roots in as she entered her teenage years. Wright began singing at age four, performing pieces like the in a style that moved her mother to tears, reflecting early exposure to through family and church settings. In , the burgeoning sound shaped her musical environment, with emerging local artists influencing her aspirations, alongside soulful styles of contemporary artists, though she initially pursued dance before abandoning it due to costs. During high school in , Wright honed her vocal abilities in school and church choirs, developing the skills that would define her career. To support herself while nurturing her singing ambitions in local groups, she took on early jobs including secretarial work and modeling in the city.

Career

Motown beginnings and initial recordings

Syreeta Wright joined Motown Records in 1965 at the age of 19, initially hired as a at the label's headquarters. Within a year, her administrative skills and familiarity with the company's operations led to a promotion as secretary to A&R director Mickey Stevenson, a role previously held by singer . As her presence in the studio grew, Wright transitioned into performing background vocals for several acts, including and ; she notably contributed to the chorus on the Vandellas' 1967 single "Honey Chile." Her vocal talent soon attracted attention from producers, leading to opportunities as a demo singer and her own recordings. In 1967, executives shortened her birth name to Rita Wright for her professional debut, and she recorded her first single, "I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You," written by , Nick Ashford, and Valerie Simpson; released in early 1968 on the label, it failed to chart commercially. Following this release, Wright adopted the Syreeta, drawing from a more artistic persona to better suit her emerging identity as a . By the late 1960s, Wright began contributing to Motown's songwriting efforts, co-authoring tracks that showcased her lyrical sensitivity. A notable early credit was "It's a Shame," co-written with and Lee Garrett, which served as a single for the Spinners on Motown's VIP imprint in 1970 and reached number 14 on the , marking a breakthrough for the group despite their prior struggles at the label.

Collaboration with Stevie Wonder

Syreeta Wright met Stevie Wonder at Motown Records in 1968 while working as a backup singer and receptionist, and their professional acquaintance soon evolved into a romantic relationship the following year. This partnership blossomed creatively, with Wonder encouraging Wright to pursue songwriting, marking the start of their collaborative output that blended soulful melodies with innovative arrangements. Their marriage in 1970 further solidified this bond, though details of their personal union are covered elsewhere. A key aspect of their collaboration involved co-writing several notable tracks that showcased their shared vision for evolving Motown's sound. In 1970, they co-authored "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," which Wonder recorded as a self-produced single reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and exemplifying their upbeat, horn-driven fusion of soul and funk. That same year, alongside Lee Garrett, they penned "It's a Shame" for The Spinners, a poignant ballad that hit No. 14 on the Hot 100 and highlighted Wright's lyrical sensitivity in addressing relational discord. These songs demonstrated their innovative approach, incorporating layered vocals and rhythmic complexity to push soul music toward greater emotional and musical depth. Wonder extended his production role to Wright's emerging solo career, helming her debut singles and during this period. He produced and co-arranged tracks like "Baby Don't You Let Me Lose This," an track from her self-titled Syreeta, where their co-writing infused the song with tender, introspective lyrics over a gentle groove. The itself, released in June 1972 on Motown's MoWest label, featured their duet "To Know You Is to Love You" (later covered by ), underscoring Wonder's hands-on involvement in crafting Wright's transition to lead artist through sophisticated instrumentation and harmonious interplay. Their joint efforts significantly shaped Wonder's songwriting during his classic 1970s period, introducing more vulnerable, narrative-driven themes amid his experimental fusion of , , and elements. For instance, on Wonder's 1971 album , Wright co-wrote "I Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer," a melancholic track blending with orchestral swells to evoke loss, reflecting their mutual emphasis on emotional authenticity over formulaic pop structures. Similarly, their 1972 collaboration on "Blame It On The Sun" from incorporated subtle basslines and piano flourishes, illustrating how Wright's input helped refine Wonder's innovative layering of genres for broader artistic impact. This era's output highlighted their pioneering role in elevating Motown's sound through personal storytelling and rhythmic experimentation.

Solo career and major releases

Syreeta Wright launched her solo career following her divorce from , with her debut album Syreeta released on June 20, 1972, by MoWest Records, a subsidiary of . Produced entirely by Wonder, the album showcased Wright's versatile voice across soulful ballads and upbeat tracks, including her cover of Wonder's "I Love Every Little Thing About You," which highlighted her smooth, emotive delivery. Though it did not achieve major commercial success, peaking at No. 185 on the , the record established Wright as a capable lead artist with songwriting contributions on several cuts. In 1974, Wright released her second solo effort, Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta, on the Motown label, again under Wonder's production oversight. The album blended soul, funk, and pop elements, yielding singles like "Spinnin' and Spinnin'," a funky track co-written by Wonder and Wright that reached number 88 on the Billboard R&B chart, and "Your Kiss Is Sweet," which climbed to number 12 on the UK Singles Chart despite limited U.S. airplay. Another single, "When Your Daddy's Not Around," added to the album's lighthearted vibe, though the project peaked at number 116 on the Billboard 200 and number 53 on the R&B Albums chart. Wright continued with Motown for her third solo , One to One, issued in February 1977 and primarily produced by . The record explored mature themes of and relationships with a sophisticated sound, featuring Ware's arrangements and Wright's introspective lyrics on tracks like "Harmour Love," which reached number 75 on the R&B . Despite critical praise for its emotional depth, the struggled commercially, failing to crack the top 100 on major charts. A significant commercial breakthrough came in 1979 with the duet single "With You I'm Born Again," recorded with Billy Preston for the soundtrack to the film Fast Break on Motown. Co-written by Carol Connors and David Shire, the tender ballad peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, marking Wright's highest-charting U.S. hit. Wright's fourth solo album, the self-titled Syreeta, arrived in 1980 on Motown, shifting toward a more contemporary R&B style with contributions from producers like Michael Masser on select tracks. The project included upbeat numbers like "Please Don't Go" but saw modest sales, not entering the Billboard 200. In 1981, she released Set My Love in Motion on Motown, produced by Michael Masser, which incorporated R&B and pop elements; the single "Can't Shake Your Love" reached No. 30 on the Billboard R&B chart. Her final major solo release of the era, The Spell in 1983 on Tamla (another Motown imprint), was produced by Jermaine Jackson and incorporated synth-pop and funk influences amid the era's evolving soundscape, though it too achieved limited chart presence.

Later projects and diversification

In the early 1980s, Syreeta Wright released her final Motown album, The Spell, on the Tamla label in 1983, produced by Jermaine Jackson and featuring a blend of synth-driven soul and disco elements. The album included tracks like "Forever Is Not Enough" and a duet with Jackson on "To Know You," but it achieved limited commercial success and failed to chart significantly, prompting Wright to transition toward freelance opportunities after leaving Motown in 1985. Following the underwhelming reception of The Spell, Wright sustained her career through backing vocals on prominent recordings, including contributions to George Harrison's 1982 album Gone Troppo and Stevie Wonder's 1995 release Conversation Peace. She also provided guest vocals on Willie Hutch's "The Glow," featured on the soundtrack for the 1985 film The Last Dragon. Wright made her acting debut in connection with The Last Dragon, contributing to the soundtrack with a duet alongside Smokey Robinson on "First Time on a Ferris Wheel," which highlighted her vocal talents in a cinematic context. Expanding into theater, she took on stage roles in the mid-1990s, notably portraying Mary Magdalene in touring productions of Jesus Christ Superstar opposite Ted Neeley, marking a diversification into performance arts. In the , Wright's work increasingly reflected a shift toward spiritual and gospel-influenced music, evident in her theatrical engagements and ongoing session contributions, though she did not release another full studio album after 1983. This period emphasized her versatility as a vocalist and performer beyond solo recordings.

Personal life

Marriages and relationships

Syreeta Wright married musician in September 1970, when she was 24 years old. The union lasted 18 months, ending in divorce in 1972, though the split remained amicable and the pair sustained a lifelong friendship that influenced their ongoing creative exchanges. In 1975, Wright wed bassist Curtis Robertson Jr., a Motown collaborator, and the couple had two sons together while she navigated her rising solo career alongside family responsibilities; they divorced in 1982. Following this, Wright entered a third marriage to a partner surnamed Muhammad, with whom she had two daughters, Takiyah and Harmoni, and converted to , further embedding her personal life within the music industry's supportive networks. Wright's relationships often intersected with her professional world, as seen in her post-Wonder partnerships with fellow industry figures, and she cultivated close ties with Motown contemporaries like —sharing early administrative roles at the label—which informed the introspective, emotionally resonant style of her songwriting.

Family and children

Syreeta Wright had four children across her marriages. She and her first husband, , had no children together. With her second husband, Curtis Robertson Jr., whom she married in 1975, she had two sons: Jamal Robertson, born in 1976, and Hodari Robertson, born in 1979. The couple divorced in 1982. With her third husband, she had two daughters: Takiyah Muhammad and Harmoni Muhammad, born during the marriage, following which she converted to . Throughout her career, Wright demonstrated deep dedication to her role as a , often prioritizing family amid professional commitments in music and acting. By the late 1980s, she scaled back full-time recording to focus more on raising her children, though she continued selective projects. Wright drew significant support from her extended family, particularly her siblings and mother, Essie Wright. Her sister Kim Barnum provided emotional backing during Wright's later years, including at the time of her passing. This familial network helped sustain her through personal and professional challenges, fostering a close-knit unit that influenced her emphasis on themes of love, resilience, and personal growth in her introspective later recordings.

Illness and death

Wright was diagnosed with , which later metastasized to her bones. Despite her illness, she continued performing and recording into the and early 2000s. She underwent and radiation treatments, which led to congestive heart failure. Wright died from congestive heart failure on July 6, 2004, at her home in , at the age of 57. She was surrounded by family at the time of her death. Her sister, Kim Barnum, confirmed the details of her passing.

Legacy

Musical influence and style

Syreeta Wright possessed a signature vocal style defined by an ethereal, emotive that drew deeply from roots, seamlessly blending , , and pop to create a sound both intimate and expansive. Her light, airy timbre conveyed vulnerability and spiritual depth, often compared to that of for its high-range expressiveness and sensual nuance. This fusion allowed her to navigate ballads with tender fragility while infusing funkier tracks with rhythmic vitality, establishing her as a versatile force in R&B. In her songwriting, Wright favored poetic lyrics centered on love and spirituality, capturing the complexities of relationships with introspective grace and often co-authoring pieces that explored emotional and transcendent themes. Her collaborations with were particularly influential, as his experimental production techniques—incorporating innovative instrumentation and layered arrangements—elevated her compositions, infusing them with a progressive edge that pushed beyond traditional structures. This partnership not only honed her lyrical sensitivity but also amplified her ability to convey universal human experiences through and . Wright contributed significantly to Motown's evolution toward sophisticated soul in the 1970s, where her work exemplified the label's transition to more nuanced, album-oriented productions that prioritized artistic depth over formulaic hits. By embodying this shift through her emotive deliveries and genre-blending approach, she helped redefine the possibilities for female voices in R&B. Her thematic evolution reflected a progression from tender romantic ballads that delved into personal longing to more empowering anthems asserting independence and resilience, mirroring broader changes in soul music's embrace of during the era.

Recognition and tributes

Syreeta Wright received a Grammy nomination in 1971 for Best Rhythm & Blues Song for her co-writing contribution to Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours." Her 1979 duet with Billy Preston, "With You I'm Born Again," achieved significant commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread acclaim for its soulful harmony, though it did not secure a Grammy award. Following her death in 2004, Wright's contributions to were highlighted in retrospective discussions, including a dedicated in the 2025 YouTube series Motown Legends, which explored her overlooked role as a within the label's ecosystem. Wright's work has been featured in broader commemorations, such as the label's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2009, where her collaborations with Wonder were noted for shaping the era's sound. In 2025, independent artists like trumpeter Syreeta Thompson released covers and music videos of "" as homages, underscoring her enduring appeal in R&B circles, though no major institutional retrospectives occurred that year.

Discography

Studio albums

Syreeta Wright released nine studio and collaborative albums during her career, primarily with Records and its imprints, showcasing her evolution from soulful ballads to -infused tracks. Her early work, produced by ex-husband , highlighted her smooth vocals and songwriting contributions, while later albums explored collaborations with producers like and . Most of her albums achieved modest commercial success, with peaks on the typically outside the top 100, reflecting the niche appeal of her sophisticated R&B sound amid the era's dominance. Sales figures for her releases were generally under 100,000 units each, though exact numbers are not publicly detailed by the label. Her debut solo album, Syreeta (1972, MoWest), was entirely produced by and featured Wright co-writing several tracks, including the lead single "I Love Every Little Thing About You," a cover of Wonder's own composition. The album blended , , and progressive elements, with highlights like the ethereal "Black Maybe" and the cover "," arranged by Wonder. It peaked at No. 185 on the and No. 38 on the Top Soul Albums chart, marking a promising but commercially limited start. The follow-up, Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta (1974, Motown), continued the collaboration with Wonder handling production, writing, and instrumentation, capturing themes of love and separation post-divorce. Standout tracks included the hit "Spinnin' and Spinnin'" and the introspective "Heavy Day," emphasizing Wright's emotive delivery over lush arrangements. It reached No. 116 on the Billboard 200 and No. 53 on the R&B chart, her highest pop peak at the time. In 1977, Wright issued One to One (Tamla), produced by , which integrated singles like the mid-tempo "Harmour Love" (featuring Wonder on harmonica) into a cohesive set of tracks with undertones. Key songs such as the title track and "Rest Yourself" showcased her growing independence in writing and a shift toward more upbeat rhythms. The album did not chart on the 200. A , Rich Love, Poor Love (1977, ), paired Wright with Spinners member , arranged by Dave Blumberg and featuring orchestral touches. Tracks like the title medley and "Just a Touch of Love" blended their voices in soulful harmony, though it received limited promotion and no major chart entry. The Music from the Motion Picture (1979, ), a collaboration with , featured their "" alongside and tracks composed for the film. It did not chart significantly but highlighted Wright's vocal chemistry with Preston. Wright's self-titled fourth solo effort, Syreeta (1980, Tamla), produced by multiple hands including Wonder and Larry Jackson, marked her strongest chart performance at No. 73 on the Billboard 200 and included the R&B hit "Gone with the Night." Highlights featured her covers and originals like "Please Don't Go," emphasizing mature balladry. Set My Love in Motion (1981, Motown), with production from Stanley Clarke and others, leaned into contemporary R&B and peaked at No. 189 on the Billboard 200. Notable tracks included "Set My Love in Motion" and "Love for Me," integrating funk grooves and her signature warmth. The collaborative album Billy Preston & Syreeta (1981, ), produced by Ollie Brown, featured six duets blending and , including "Searchin'" and "Love," extending their partnership beyond the soundtrack. It received limited promotion and did not chart. Her final studio album, The Spell (1983, Tamla), produced by , adopted a synth-heavy sound with limited distribution and no chart appearance. Tracks like "(You're) The Spell" and "Forever Is Not Enough" (co-written by Wright) highlighted her adaptability, though it sold modestly before her departure from .

Singles

Syreeta Wright's early singles were released under her , Rita Wright, during her initial years at Records. Her debut single, "I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You," backed with "Something on My Mind," was issued in 1968 on Motown 1133 and featured her smooth, emotive vocals on a soulful written by Ashford and Valerie Simpson. The track did not chart but marked her entry as a recording artist, showcasing her background singing experience with Motown acts like . Another early release, "Baby Don't You Let Me Lose This," appeared in 1972 as an album track on her debut Syreeta, co-written with , and received limited promotion. Wright's breakthrough as Syreeta came with singles from her -produced albums in the mid-1970s. "Spinnin' and Spinnin'," released in 1974 from Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta, featured influences and peaked at #86 on the R&B chart, with a B-side of "Universal Sound of the World (Come On All)." The song highlighted her versatile style, blending soul and rhythms. Her most notable solo hit, "Your Kiss Is Sweet," also from the 1974 album, reached #69 on the R&B chart in the and #12 on the UK Singles Chart, backed by "Just a Little Piece of You," and became a fan favorite for its playful, upbeat co-written with Wonder. No certifications were awarded to these singles. The duet "With You I'm Born Again" with in 1979, from the soundtrack on , became Wright's biggest commercial success, peaking at #4 on the and #2 on the UK Singles Chart, with a B-side of "Sock-It, Rocket." Written by Carol Connors and , the tender showcased their harmonious vocals and spent 12 weeks on the Hot 100. Later in her , "" was released in 1983 from The Spell on Tamla, produced by , but it did not chart significantly, reflecting her shift toward more sounds without major reissues. These singles underscored Wright's evolution from session singer to a distinctive solo artist, though none achieved gold status.
TitleYearB-SideUS Hot 100US R&BUK Singles
I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You (as Rita Wright)1968Something on My Mind———
Baby Don't You Let Me Lose This1972————
Spinnin' and Spinnin'1974Universal Sound of the World (Come On All)—86—
Your Kiss Is Sweet1974Just a Little Piece of You—6912
(duet with )1979Sock-It, Rocket4862
1983————

Other appearances

Throughout her career, Syreeta Wright contributed backing vocals to several prominent artists' projects, beginning with her early days at Records where she supported tracks by and in the late . She joined Stevie Wonder's backing ensemble, known as Wonderlove, providing vocals on his 1970 album , including the title track co-written with Wonder. Wright also delivered prominent background vocals on Wonder's 1971 single "If You Really Love Me," which reached number 8 on the , and added vocal flourishes to tracks like "Sweet Little Girl" on his 1972 album . Later, she provided backing vocals on two songs from George Harrison's 1982 album , showcasing her versatility beyond . Wright was recognized as an in-demand session singer, collaborating on recordings with artists including and . Beyond backing roles, Wright participated in notable duets that highlighted her emotive delivery. Her most successful collaboration was with on the 1979 single "," which peaked at number 4 on the Hot 100. The duo released a full joint album, Billy Preston & Syreeta, in 1981, featuring six tracks produced by Ollie Brown and including additional shared performances that blended soul and gospel influences. Wright's contributions extended to film soundtracks, where she served as a guest vocalist on Willie Hutch's "The Glow" from the 1985 motion picture , adding her signature warmth to the song's romantic funk arrangement. In the years following her death, Wright's early and unreleased recordings have appeared in posthumous collections, preserving her foundational work. The 2016 compilation The Rita Wright Years: Rare 1967-1970 includes 18 previously unissued tracks from her pre-Syreeta era, such as demos and covers of classics by and others, highlighting her development as a performer. She also features on various anthologies, including selections from her collaborations with Wonder and Preston, ensuring her guest contributions remain accessible in broader label retrospectives.

References

  1. https://classic.motown.com/artist/syreeta/
  2. https://www.grammy.com/news/syreeta-wright-was-more-than-mrs-stevie-wonder-prolific-singer-songwriter
  3. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/syreeta-syreeta-album/
  4. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-10-me-wright10-story.html
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/jul/13/guardianobituaries.artsobituaries1
  6. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/09/arts/syreeta-wright-58-singer-and-songwriter.html
  7. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9066498/syreeta-wright
  8. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Wright-47307
  9. https://www.sessiondays.com/2022/09/syreeta-wright/
  10. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/obituaries/syreeta-wright-ca/
  11. https://www.tumblr.com/blackkudos/163709127167/syreeta-wright
  12. https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/life/2015/03/01/syreeta-wright-black-history-month/24221425/
  13. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/128959/all
  14. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/syreeta-mn0000001190
  15. https://www.billboard.com/music/billboard-explains/billboard-explains-hot-100-1235286570/
  16. https://americansongwriter.com/7-songs-you-didnt-know-stevie-wonder-wrote-for-other-artists/
  17. https://www.musicvf.com/Syreeta.songs
  18. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/syreeta-your-kiss-is-sweet/
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/1989500-Syreeta-One-To-One
  20. https://theseconddisc.com/2013/07/31/signed-sealed-delivered-its-yours-soulmusic-reissues-motown-gem-syreeta/
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/2292173-Syreeta-The-Spell
  22. https://www.sessiondays.com/2020/03/1983-syreeta-the-spell/
  23. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-07-05-ca-12182-story.html
  24. https://steviewonder.org.uk/syreeta
  25. http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Syreeta.html
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089461/soundtrack/
  27. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/motown-artist-syreeta-wright-dies-1434117/
  28. https://theburningspear.com/syreeta-wright-muhammad-remembered/
  29. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/1771
  30. https://larrybeatsthestreets.wordpress.com/2010/05/27/blessing-up-for-billy-preston-and-rita-syreeta-wright-two-very-talented-singersongwriters-extraordinaire/
  31. https://soultracks.com/artist/syreeta_wright/
  32. https://grammy.com/news/syreeta-wright-was-more-than-mrs-stevie-wonder-prolific-singer-songwriter
  33. https://www.grammy.com/artists/syreeta-wright/12905
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jMkzd4sikQ
  35. https://prince.org/msg/8/294366
  36. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNXKqOgst6E/
  37. https://www.discogs.com/release/641502-Syreeta-Syreeta
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/1092573-Syreeta-Syreeta-Stevie-Wonder-Presents-Syreeta
  39. https://dereksmusicblog.com/2012/11/24/syreeta-one-to-one/
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/3157220-Syreeta-One-To-One
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/2172219-Syreeta-GC-Cameron-Rich-Love-Poor-Love
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/866272-Billy-Preston-Syreeta-Music-From-The-Motion-Picture-Fast-Break
  43. https://www.discogs.com/artist/15440-Syreeta
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/4370062-Syreeta-Set-My-Love-In-Motion
  45. https://www.discogs.com/master/301734-Billy-Preston-Syreeta-Billy-Preston-Syreeta
  46. https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-complete-motown-singles-vol-8-1968/1455384017
  47. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rita-wright-mn0000211679
  48. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15138/syreeta/
  49. https://www.billboard.com/artist/billy-preston/
  50. https://classic.motown.com/video/syreeta-billy-preston-im-born/
  51. https://acerecords.co.uk/syreeta-the-rita-wright-years-rare-motown-1967-1970
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.