Bessie Regina Norris, known by her stage name Betty Wright, died on May 9, 2020, in her hometown of Miami, Fl.
She signed with her first music label, Deep City Records, in 1966 at 12 years of age. At the age of 14 Betty recorded he first album “My First Time Around” and at the age of 16 she released “Pure Love.”
It was in 1971 at the age of 17 that Betty released her signature song “Clean Up Woman.” It sold 1million copies and was certified gold when she was just 18 years old.
Betty was the first black woman artist to be certified gold on her own music label, Miss B Records, in 1988 with the album “Mother Wit.”
“Clean Up Woman” has been sampled by Mary J. Blige, Willie D, Chance the Rapper. Her hit “Girls Can’t Do What Guys Do” was sampled by Beyoncé on her “Upgrade U.”
She was married to King Sporty for 30 years. Born Noel George Williams, King Sporty was a successful musician in his own right and made a name for himself as a DJ, reggae musician and producer. He co-wrote “Buffalo Soldier,” made famous by Bob Marley. He died in 2015.