Bernard Wright, a well-known funk and jazz vocalist, died at the age of 58. William S. Patterson, a fellow musician, shared the news in a Facebook post, writing,
“On behalf of Bernard Wright’s (Nard) family, we regret to inform you that yesterday [Thursday, May 19] Bernard has been summoned to the Most High.”
Patterson further remarked,
“Many thanks for everyone’s encouragement, support, and prayers for Nard throughout the years.” Please keep the family in your prayers and thoughts at this difficult time. Our hearts are sad, but our faith is firm. Being absent from the flesh means being present with The Lord! LOVE! Nard, rest in might.”
Bernard’s cause of death has not been confirmed, and no more information regarding his funeral has been released.
All About Bernard Wright
Wright, who was born on November 16, 1963, was a well-known funk and jazz keyboardist and vocalist. He began as a studio musician and went on to create four solo albums. He attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York after growing up in Jamaica, Queens. Carl Hancock Rux, a writer, and Desiree Coleman Jackson, a gospel music singer, were among his students.
He was just 13 when he was given a spot tour with Lenny White, and when he was 16, he performed with Tom Browne. In 1981, he was signed to GRP Records and released his debut album, Nard. Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Skee-Lo, LL Cool J, and others sampled the tunes. Funky Beat was his second single on Artista in 1983, followed by Mr Wright on Manhattan Records in 1985. The latter album also had his most major R&B performance, Who Do You Love, which was accompanied by a video.
In 1990, Wright published the gospel CD Fresh Hymns, and in 2000, he formed a trio with Alfredo Elias and Damon Banks. Back To Our Roots is the title of their first album. Bernard has also been on records by performers such as Miami. Miles Davis, Cameo, Bobby Brown, Charles Earland, Doug E. Fresh, Pieces of a Dream, and Marcus Miller are among the performers. In Dallas, he also performed keyboards and served as a mentor to younger musicians.
He is said to be the godson of singer Roberta Flack. Flack’s big tracks include The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Feel Me Makin’ Love, Where Are the Love, The Closer I Get to You, and more. Flack is also known for her impact on the quiet storm style of modern R&B. Fans also recall her renditions of Leonard Cohen and The Beatles classics. In 1973 and 1974, she also won multiple Grammy Awards for Record of the Year.
Fans pay homage On Twitter
Throughout the years, Bernard Wright has received attention for his popular albums and songs. When word of his death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes:
Last night, my godson and former musical director, Bernard Wright, passed away suddenly. I loved Bernard very much and believed deeply in his talent. His loss is heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/G0VhkHgec3
— Roberta Flack (@Roberta_Flack) May 21, 2022
RIP to Bernard Wright, who had the 1985 smash hit “Who Do You Love”. The 58 year old singer and Queens, NY native was Roberta Flack’s son.
Rest In Power Nard. 🙏🏾😔 pic.twitter.com/ecua37qy3q
— First and Pen (@firstandpen) May 21, 2022
