Honoring Ms. Betty Wright

Bessie Regina Norris famously known as Betty Wright is a Miami Icon. Born in Miami, FL, when Ms. Wright started her singing career she stayed in Miami and gave face to a label that would put the SOUL stamp in the southern city. Detroit had Motown, Memphis had Stax and Miami Florida had Deep City Records founded by musical legends Willie Clarke and Johnny Pearsall. After creating hits for the label and experiencing her up and down on the charts, Ms. Wright went out on her own.

 In 1985, she formed her own label, Miss B Records and was the first black female artist to score a gold album on her own label. She made history from her seat in Miami.

 Outside of being her own light, she graced her voice and penmanship to other artists like Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan (another Miami Icon), Phyllis Hyman, Erykah Badu and many others. She was a musician, vocal coach, producer, songwriter, A&R, visual artist, mentor, advisor, mother, daughter, auntie and role model to many black little girls that grew up in the streets of Miami.

 I got a chance to meet Betty Wright and eat at her house years ago when my friend and artist Ellison Kendrick started working on his own career. I had the pleasure of telling her how much I looked up to her. (Thank you, Ellison!!) I don’t take that moment for granted cause it’s not often that you can tell a bigger than life role model straight in the eye, that you love them.

I will forever be grateful that in my lifetime, I heard a voice that can range all the way up to a whistle like the one of Betty Wright. Who taught me that you can make history, be a good woman, own your own while being authentically who you are and giving. Betty Wright didn’t conform to the industry, the industry bent for her. Thank you, Betty Wright, for knowing your path and giving life. Thank you for your walk.

Love,

Jodine Dorcé

A little black girl from the city of Miami

In dedication to the life of Betty Wright, I partnered with the Apollo Theater to present a curated playlist that takes you on a condensed journey on the brilliance of Bessie Regina Norris. This playlist is a sample of her original music, songs that she produced, influenced and sang on. We will forever love Ms. Bessie Regina Norris aka Betty Wright!  Thank you to the Apollo Theater for the platform. Listen here: bit.ly/ApolloFamPlaylist ‬