Album of the Day

Born Bessie Regina Norris in Miami, Betty Wright was recording before grade school (with her siblings' gospel group) and in the Top 10 before graduating high school. Wright was a gifted songwriter and vocalist with plenty of stage presence, all of which can be heard on LIVE – even if the collection wasn't actually recorded in concert. Rubbing shoulders with covers of contemporary favorites are such signature hits as “Clean Up Woman,” “Where Is The Love” and “Tonight Is the Night,” a song of sexual initiation made all the more engaging by Betty's accompanying monologue. For that track alone, LIVE is among Wright's best-loved albums, but for tell-it-like-it-is '70s soul, it's a solid set throughout and an ideal way to remember the late performer.