Singer Betty Wright – who won a Grammy for the hit “Where Is the Love” – died of cancer on 10/5, aged 66.
According to AP, Betty died in her home in Miami. A colleague revealed that the singer was diagnosed with cancer last fall. Since the beginning of May, many of the singer’s friends have said her health is deteriorating, calling for fans to send encouragement.
Betty began singing at the age of three, in the family hymn group. She soon became famous at the age of 12 with singles. At 17, Betty released the song Clean Up Woman, which became a worldwide hit, on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks.
Critics consider the 1970s and 1980s the golden age of Betty’s career. She released many hits like Let Me Be Your Lovemaker, Where Is the Love … Betty won the Grammy Award in the category “Best R&B Song” in 1978.
At the end of his career, the singer focused on being a music producer with his own record label and helping many new artists. John Legend remembered Betty: “She was always rich in love and generous with young people. We will miss her so much.” Many stars like Beyonce and Mary J Blige have mentioned Betty as an inspiration in the early stages of their career.