Wright, Syreeta (1946–2004)
Wright, Syreeta (1946–2004)
African-American singer and songwriter. Name variations: Syreeta, Rita Wright. Born Rita Wright, Feb 28, 1946, in Pittsburgh, PA; died of breast cancer, July 6, 2004, in Los Angeles, CA; m. Stevie Wonder (musician), Sept 14, 1970 (div. 1972); Curtis Robertson Jr. (bass player, div.); children: Takiyah, Harmoni, Jamal and Hodari.
Best known for collaborations with Stevie Wonder, began career as a backup singer and receptionist at Motown; released single, "Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You" (1968); began collaborating with Wonder and contributed lyrics to several of his hits, including "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and "If You Really Love Me"; co-wrote lyrics for his albums, Music of My Mind (1972), Talking Book (1972), and Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants (1979); released albums, Syreeta (1972) and Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta (1974); with Billy Preston, had hit duet, "With You I'm Born Again" (1980); after releasing unsuccessful albums, Set My Love in Motion (1981) and The Spell (1983), stopped performing; played Mary Magdalene in Broadway tour of Jesus Christ Superstar (1995).