Bernard Wright
Also known asNard
Born(1963-11-16)November 16, 1963
Jamaica, Queens, New York, U.S.
DiedMay 19, 2022(2022-05-19) (aged 58)
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
GenresGospel, Post-disco, Contemporary R&B
Occupation(s)Musician, singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Keyboards
Years active1980 – 2022
LabelsManhattan/EMI Records
Arista • GRP/MCA Records

Bernard Wright (November 16, 1963 – May 19, 2022) was an American funk and jazz keyboardist and singer who began his career as a session musician and later released four solo albums.

Biography

Wright was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York.[1] In the liner notes to his debut album 'Nard, he stated that his mother is Lessie Wright.[2] His godmother was singer Roberta Flack.[3]

He attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York.[4] His classmates included writer Carl Hancock Rux and gospel recording artist Desiree Coleman Jackson. He was offered a slot touring with Lenny White when he was 13, and he played with Tom Browne at the age of 16.[5]

GRP Records signed him in 1981 and released his debut album 'Nard, tracks from which were prominently sampled in hits by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Skee-Lo, and LL Cool J.[6] The album was re-released in 2001.[7] He followed with Funky Beat (1983) on Arista and Mr. Wright (1985) on Manhattan Records. The latter of these albums included his biggest R&B appearance, "Who Do You Love", for which a video was made that is featured in the title sequence of Video Music Box.[8] In 1990 he released the gospel album Fresh Hymns, followed by Brand New Gospel Format in 1991, and Fresh Hymns II in 1992. He released an album with Sadao Watanabe, titled Go Straight Ahead' N Make A Left, in 1997. In 2000 he formed a trio with Alfredo Elias and Damon Banks and released the album Back To Our Roots.[9]

Wright also appeared on recordings by musicians including Miami Mike Devine Pennington, Doug E. Fresh, Cameo, Bobby Brown, Pieces of a Dream, Charles Earland, Marcus Miller, and Miles Davis.[10] After his recording days, Wright continued playing keyboards in Dallas, where he mentored younger artists.[11]

Bernard Wright died on May 19, 2022, at the age of 58, after being hit by a car while crossing a street in Dallas. He was married to Anita Wright for nearly 40 years and is survived by his children Bernard Jr., Christopher, and Victoria Wright.[12]

Discography

Source[13]

Albums

Year Title US US
R&B		 US
Jazz
1981 'Nard
116
53
7
1983 Funky Beat
-
58
-
1985 Mr. Wright
-
25
-
1990 Fresh Hymns
-
-
-
1991 Brand New Gospel Format
-
-
-
1992 Fresh Hymns II
-
-
-

Singles

Year Title US
R&B		 US
Dance
1981 "Just Chillin' Out"
33
85
"Haboglabotribin'"
78
-
1982 "Won't You Let Me Love You"
88
-
1983 "Funky Beat"
39
-
1985 "Who Do You Love"
6
44
"After You"
23
-
"Yo 'Nard"
-
-

References

  1. ↑ Decurtis, Anthony (March 23, 1997). "Two Seasoned Voices, Together Raised for a Cause". New York Times.
  2. ↑ Liner notes, Nard. Arista Records, 1981.
  3. ↑ Mya Abraham, "Bernard Wright, Funk And Jazz Singer And Godson Of Roberta Flack, Dead At 58", Vibe.com, May 20, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022
  4. ↑ "Fiorello laguardia alumni". Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  5. ↑ Bernard Wright at AllMusic
  6. ↑ "Sunday Selection: LL Cool J and Bernard Wright - "Who Do You Love?"". Hip-Hop News, Rumors, Rap Music & Videos |AllHipHop. 27 December 2009. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  7. ↑ "Bernard Wright - 'Nard (remaster)". Discogs. 24 October 2001. Retrieved 2015-11-20.
  8. ↑ The Wright Stuff. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1985-12-21.
  9. ↑ Lopez, Jeff (2000-03-25). Bernard Wright returns with jazz trio Too BAD Juna debut. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  10. ↑ "Bernard Wright (performance credits)". Discogs. Retrieved 2015-11-20.
  11. ↑ Quinn, Peter (9 November 2014). "10 Questions for Musician Michael League". Theartsdesk.com. Retrieved 2015-11-20.
  12. ↑ "In Memoriam: Funk, jazz legend Bernard Wright dies at 58". Defender Network. May 25, 2002. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Bernard Wright". Discogs.
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