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IN MEMORIAM: Bernard Wright: Funk and Jazz Legend Dies in Dallas at 58

THE BURTON WIRE — Wright’s collaborations resulted in the formation of jazz fusion super group The RH Factor. In 2003, Wright formed the group with the late legendary jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove. The group included Wright, The Roots/Soulquarians James Poyser, bassist Dino Palladino and Hargrove, who passed away in 2018. They released three albums between 2003 and 2006, working with iconic artists D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Common among others. Wright also released three gospel albums following the success of the RH Factor. Check out Wright’s thoughts on music in 1983 and his song “Won’t You Let Me Love You,” below:
The post IN MEMORIAM: Bernard Wright: Funk and Jazz Legend Dies in Dallas at 58 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

May 25, 2022

Nsenga K. Burton Ph.D.

The music world is mourning the loss of legendary funk and jazz musician Bernard “Nard” Wright who died May 19 after being hit by a car while crossing the street in Dallas where he lived. The Queens, NY native was the music director and Godson of music legend Roberta Flack and son of Jazz bassist Steve Novosel. A music prodigy, Wright was touring with major musicians like Tom Browne and by the age of 13 and Lenny White at age 17. Wright also worked as a studio musician, eventually stepping out on his own.

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Wright is best known for his popular 1985 hit song, “Who Do You Love,” from his third album Mr. Wright released that same year. “Who Do You Love” peaked at No. 6 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart and was heavily sampled by Hip-Hop and R&B artists L.L. Cool J, Dr. Dre, Big Pun, The Luniz, Tichina Arnold and Ty Dolla Sign. Hip-Hop artists Skee-lo and Snoop Dog sampled “Spinnin,” another song by Wright.

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Wright had many musical influences including Miles Davis, Dave Grusin, Marcus Miller and Lenny Wright and was known for blending funk, jazz and hip-hop to create a distinct sound. Wright often collaborated with his influencers. In 1991 Grusin signed Wright and produced his debut album Nard. R&B Legend Luther Vandross and Patti Austin sang backup vocals on the song, “Music is Key” on the album. Wright also worked with Bobby Brown, Doug E. Fresh, Miles Davis, and Cameo.

Wright’s collaborations resulted in the formation of jazz fusion super group The RH Factor. In 2003, Wright formed the group with the late legendary jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove. The group included Wright, The Roots/Soulquarians James Poyser, bassist Dino Palladino and Hargrove, who passed away in 2018. They released three albums between 2003 and 2006, working with iconic artists D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Common among others. Wright also released three gospel albums following the success of the RH Factor. Check out Wright’s thoughts on music in 1983 and his song “Won’t You Let Me Love You,” below:

[This post contains video, click to play]

Wright was a fixture and mentor in the Dallas Music scene. He played in the “Bad Ass Jazz Series” at the now shuttered Amsterdam Bar in Dallas’ Exposition Park neighborhood.

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Wright most recently served as a guest performer for young hip-hop and jazz fusion bands like RC & The Gritz, CoLab, and Ghost-Note at venues Deep Ellum Art Company, Prophet Bar and Three Links. Wright’s longtime collaborator William S. Patterson released a statement about Wright’s passing.

Wright is survived by his daughters Zoe and Tallulah Wright. He was 58. Rest in power.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Twitter @Ntellectual.

Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter or Instagram @TheBurtonWire.

This article originally appeared in The Burton Wire.

The post IN MEMORIAM: Bernard Wright: Funk and Jazz Legend Dies in Dallas at 58 first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Nsenga K. Burton Ph.D.

Posts by Nsenga K. Burton Ph.D.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org