Edna Wright facts for kids
Edna Wright (born February 2, 1945 – died September 12, 2020) was an American singer. She was best known as the main singer of Honey Cone. This girl group had a huge hit song called "Want Ads" in 1971. It went all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart! Edna was also the younger sister of famous singer Darlene Love. She sang backup for many other artists, including the Righteous Brothers, Ray Charles, and Cher.
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Her Life and Music Career
Edna Wright grew up in Los Angeles, California, and loved singing in church. Her dad was a pastor, and she sang in his church choir. In 1960, she joined a gospel music group called The COGIC singers.
Starting Her Music Journey
Her older sister, Darlene Love, was also a singer. Through Darlene, Edna met music producer Phil Spector. In 1964, she made her first recording with producer Jack Nitzsche. She sang lead on a song called "Yes Sir, That's My Baby." She also released her first solo song, "A Touch of Venus," using the stage name Sandy Wynns. This led to her touring around the country.
After that, Edna became a backup singer for many stars. She sang with the Righteous Brothers, Johnny Rivers, and Ray Charles. Ray Charles even asked her to join his famous female backup group, the Raelettes.
Forming Honey Cone
In 1968, Edna's sister Darlene Love was supposed to be on a TV show with Andy Williams. But Darlene couldn't make it, so she asked Edna to fill in for her. Edna invited two friends, Carolyn Willis and Shelly Clark, to sing with her on the show.
They also invited Eddie Holland to watch. Eddie Holland had just left Motown Records to start his own company. He was very impressed with Edna and offered her a contract. But Edna wanted to be in a group, not a solo artist. So, Eddie signed the three women – Edna, Carolyn, and Shelly – to his record label, Hot Wax Records. They called their group Honey Cone.
Their first song, "While You're Out Looking for Sugar," came out in 1969. But their biggest success happened in 1971. Their song "Want Ads" became a massive hit! It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for a week. It also topped the R&B chart for three weeks. The song sold so many copies that it was certified gold. Their next song, "Stick-Up," also sold enough to go gold. The group Honey Cone stayed together until 1973.
Solo Album and Later Years
Edna Wright married musician Greg Perry. He helped write and produce many of Honey Cone's songs. In 1977, Edna released her only solo album, called Oops! Here I Go Again. Her husband Greg produced it.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Edna continued to sing backup for many different music acts. She worked with famous bands like U2, and singers such as Kim Carnes, Aaron Neville, and Andraé Crouch.
Awards and Recognition
Edna Wright received several awards for her contributions to music.
- On September 18, 2016, Edna and Shelly Clark received the National Rhythm and Blues Music Society Unsung Heroine Awards. Carolyn Willis also received an award.
- On September 24, 2017, Edna and Shelly Clark were honored with the Heroes and Legends Award (HAL) in Music.
- On January 8, 2021, after Edna's passing, Honey Cone was inducted into the Soul Music Hall Of Fame Class of 2020.
Her Passing
Edna Wright passed away suddenly on September 12, 2020, at the age of 75. She had a heart attack at a hospital in Encino, California. Her sister Darlene Love shared a message, saying how heartbroken she was by the sudden loss of her "beautiful baby sister."
Music She Released
Here are some of the albums and songs Edna Wright was part of:
Albums
- 1966: The Cogics – It's a Blessing
- 1977: Oops! Here I Go Again (Her solo album)
Singles
- 1964: "The Touch of Venus" (as Sandy Wynns)
- 1964: "Love Belongs to Everyone" (as Sandy Wynns)
- 1977: "You Can't See the Forest (for the Trees)" (from her solo album)
Backup Singing Credits
Edna Wright sang backup on many recordings for other artists, including:
- 1969: Stan Kenton – Hair
- 1969: The Righteous Brothers – Re-Birth
- 1971: Al Kooper – New York City (You're a Woman)
- 1975: Cher – Stars
- 1980: Kim Carnes – Romance Dance
- 1988: U2 – Rattle and Hum
- 1993: Aaron Neville – The Grand Tour
