Ep 7. Betty Wright

Betty Wright's soulful voice connected with fans worldwide in the 1970s, producing a number of hit records that are still remembered fondly to this day. However, as the latest episode of UnSung reveals, her path to success was far from easy. Born in Miami in 1953, Betty started singing in her family's gospel group, the Echoes of Joy, at just three years old. Her talent was evident from a young age, and by the time she was a teenager she was performing regularly in clubs around the city.

In the late 1960s, Betty signed her first recording contract with local label Deep City Records. Her debut single, "Girls Can't Do What the Guys Do," became an instant regional hit and attracted the attention of Henry Stone, founder of the newly-formed record label Alston Records. Henry quickly snapped up Betty and put her to work in the studio, where she recorded a string of classic soul tracks that helped to establish her as a major new talent.

One of Betty's biggest hits, "Clean Up Woman," was released in 1971 and became an instant smash. Its infectious beat and Betty's soulful vocals made it a club favourite and it went on to become one of the most popular R&B songs of the decade. Betty followed it up with a string of further hits, including "Tonight Is The Night," "Where Is The Love," and "Baby Sitter," all of which helped to cement her position as one of the leading soul singers of the era.

However, as the UnSung episode reveals, Betty's success was not without its challenges. Despite her talent and popularity, she faced numerous obstacles throughout her career. For example, she was a victim of sexual harassment early on, and struggled to find producers who would take her seriously. Despite these setbacks, Betty continued to fight for recognition, and her perseverance paid off in the end.

In addition to the challenges she faced in the music industry, Betty also experienced personal tragedy. In 2005, her mother passed away, which hit her hard. Later, in 2011, Betty was diagnosed with cancer. Though she received treatment and went into remission, the disease eventually returned and she passed away in May 2020. The episode pays tribute to the incredible legacy she left behind, which includes a career that spanned five decades and countless fans around the world.

Overall, UnSung's season 16 episode 7, "Betty Wright," is a moving tribute to a true musical pioneer. Through interviews with Betty's family, friends, and colleagues, the episode provides a vivid portrait of the singer's life and career. It also highlights the many obstacles she faced along the way and the impact she had on the music industry as a whole. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Betty Wright's music or just discovering her now, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves soulful, heartfelt music.