Wright began her singing career performing professionally with her family’s gospel group, the Echoes of Joy, at age 2. At 11, Wright began singing R&B at local talent shows in her native Miami. One year later, she signed with Deep City Records, releasing her first studio album at 14.

Wright's 1971 megahit, “Clean Up Woman,” is credited for anticipating the transition from funk music to disco. That song peaked at No. 6 on the singles chart.

In addition to singing, Wright was also an amazing songwriter, arranger and producer. The long list of artists she worked with included Jennifer Lopez, Erykah Badu and Keyshia Cole. 

She was also the inspiration of several singers, such as Mary J. Blige, who sampled “Clean Up Woman.” The cut has been sampled by other artists including SWV, Sublime, Willie D, Afrika Bambaattaa, and Chance the Rapper. 

Wright launched an independent label in the 1980s, under which she released the album "Mother Wit."  That album went gold and marked the first time an African American female singer had that achievement.

Wright opened for reggae legend Bob Marley for some shows while on his 1979 Survival Tour. She was married to Noel “King Sporty” Williams, a Jamaican musician who co-wrote the song “Buffalo Soldier” that Marley made famous.

The singer’s 21-year-old son Patrick Parker was shot and killed on December 25, 2005. His life was taken in a dispute at a party in South Florida. Parker was one of Wright’s five children.