Rita Wright

about

(August 3, 1946 – July 6, 2004) Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as Syreeta Wright, she first came to Motown circa 1967 to work in the secretarial pool. It wasn't long before her singing talents were recognized and she recorded and released a single ("I Can't Give Back The Love I Feel For You" b/w "Something On My Mind", Gordy 7064, January 1968) under the name "Rita Wright." Though her single release did not achieve any Billboard chart action, she continued to work in the studio well into 1968, recording not only more sides for possible single release, but also background vocals and demo records for other Motown artists. Her budding songwriting talents emerged as she developed a closer relationship with Motown singing star Stevie Wonder. Having long since left her secretarial days behind and her solo recording career at a near standstill, she began to write songs with Wonder and even contributed background vocals on his records at the end of the 1960s and into the 1970s. Wright and Wonder were eventually married in 1970. Their marriage lasted a short time, but Wonder helped Wright develop her songwriting skills and they continued to work together after their divorce. By 1972, that work paid off when she finally received her chance in the spotlight. Stevie Wonder produced the eponymous album, SYREETA and the studio work of "Rita Wright" was left behind. She continued to work professionally throughout the 1970s to varying degrees of chart success under the single name Syreeta

top songs

albums

The Complete Motown Singles - Vol. 8: 1968

Syreeta: The Rita Wright Years - Rare Motown 1967-1970

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Hitsville USA - The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971

Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971

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Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 3

Girl Group Sounds Lost & Found: One Kiss Can Lead To Another [Disc 4]

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Motown Love

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Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 [Disc 3]

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The Wants List

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Girl Group Sounds Lost & Found: One Kiss Can Lead To Another [CD 4]

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Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 (disc 3)

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Hitsville U.S.A. - The Motown

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