Bernard “Nard” Wright, R&B Jazz artist and keyboardist passed away on May 19, 2022.
Born in Jamaica, NYC, Wright dominated the R&B and radio industry with his hit song, “Who Do You Love” while he was just 19 years old. Roberta Flack, a brilliant woman and world-class singer also played a motherly role in the life of Bernard Wright.
From touring with Lenny White at 13 and playing with Tom Browne in 1979, he received great responses, which led to him being signed to GRP in 1981. After signing with GRP Records, he later released his top 10 hit “Who Do You Love”(1983), and following that was the release of his albums, Fresh Hymns, and Fresh Hymns II.
Bandleader Billy “Spaceman” Patterson posted on social media saying:
Many thanks for everyone’s support, encouragement, and prayers for Nard throughout the years.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
Wright’s vitiate includes working with artists such as Cameo, Miles Davis, Marcus Miller, and Pieces of a Dream. Amazingly, his work even superseded his time, ringing strong as an influential musician for many generations.
Nard Wright’s 80s and 90s releases became one of the most sampled pieces throughout Hip-Hop. Songs and artists that sampled his work include, “Never Been in Love B4” by Shinehead, “If It Ain’t Love” by Tichina Arnold, “Tell Me (I’ll Be Around)” by Shades, “Who Is a Thug” by Big Pun, “Is It Kool?” by Luniz. It was also featured in the remix of “Loungin” by LL Cool J.
Bernard Wright is an icon that can never be forgotten as he made a tremendous impact on as we know music today. May his jams forever live on for many more generations to come.
Jazz Singer & Keyboardist, Bernard Wright Passes Away at 58 was originally published on classixphilly.com
