Bernard Wright

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

This article is about the American singer. For the Northern Irish footballer, see Bernard Wright (footballer). For the English footballer, see Bernie Wright.
Bernard Wright
Born (1963-11-16) November 16, 1963
Jamaica, Queens, New York
GenresPost-disco[1]
Contemporary R&B[1]
Post-bop[1]
Crossover jazz[1]
Occupation(s)Record producer, artist
InstrumentsKeyboards
LabelsManhattan/EMI Records
Arista
GRP/MCA Records
Associated actsMarcus Miller, Lenny White, Dave Grusin, Roberta Flack, Doug E. Fresh, Cameo

Biography

Wright was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York. [2] In the liner notes to his debut album Nard, he states that his mother is Lessie Wright.[3] He attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York.[4] Classmates included writer Carl Hancock Rux, 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.[1]

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.[5] The album was re-released in 2001.[6] 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.[7] In 1990 he released the gospel album Fresh Hymns. In 2000 he formed a trio with Alfredo Elias and Damon Banks and released the album Back To Our Roots.[8]

Wright has also appeared on recordings by musicians such as Miami Mike Devine Pennington, Doug E. Fresh, Cameo, Bobby Brown, Pieces of a Dream, Charles Earland, Marcus Miller, and Miles Davis.[9]

Since his recording days, Wright has continued playing keyboards in Dallas, where he mentors younger artists.[10]

Discography

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
-
-
-

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. Bernard Wright at Allmusic
  2. Decurtis, Anthony (March 23, 1997). "Two Seasoned Voices, Together Raised for a Cause". New York Times.
  3. Liner notes, Nard. Arista Records, 1981.
  4. "Fiorello laguardia alumni". Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  5. "Sunday Selection: LL Cool J and Bernard Wright - "Who Do You Love?"". Hip-Hop News, Rumors, Rap Music & Videos |AllHipHop. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  6. "Bernard Wright - 'Nard (remaster)". Discogs. Retrieved 2015-11-20.
  7. The Wright Stuff. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1985-12-21.
  8. Lopez, Jeff (2000-03-25). Bernard Wright returns with jazz trio Too BAD Juna debut. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  9. "Bernard Wright (performance credits)". Discogs. Retrieved 2015-11-20.
  10. Quinn, Peter. "10 Questions for Musician Michael League". www.theartsdesk.com. Retrieved 2015-11-20.
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