Syreeta Wright (August 3, 1946 – July 6, 2004), who recorded professionally under the single name Syreeta, was a singer-songwriter active from the 1960s until her death. She is considered one of the most underrated R&B vocalists to emerge out of the 1970s Motown scene. Born Syreeta Wright in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Syreeta was working in the ’60s as a Motown secretary when she was enlisted as a backup singer. Founder Berry Gordy later signed her to the label and she recorded a Brian Holland/Ashford & Simpson tune initially meant for Diana Ross, I Can’t give back the love I feel for you. Wright married Stevie Wonder on September 14, 1970, and although they were divorced just 18 months later, their professional collaboration as songwriters spawned a series of hits, including If you really love me, Signed, sealed, delivered (I’m yours) and The Spinners’ It’s a shame.

She released her first Wonder-produced Motown album, the critically acclaimed Syreeta, under the MoWest imprint in 1972. Stevie Wonder presents Syreeta, which musically depicted their relationship from love/marriage to divorce/enduring friendship, was released in 1974. The titles peaked at No. 185 and No. 116, respectively, on Billboard album chart. Her singles include Spinnin’ and spinnin’ and Your kiss is sweet. Her best showing on the chart came with 1980’s simply titled Syreeta, released on Motown’s Tamla imprint, which reached No. 73. The duet with Billy Preston, With you I’m born again, originally appeared on that year’s soundtrack to the Paramount movie Fast Break. The track reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 1980.

1 Blame it on the sun (S. Wonder, S. Wright) 2 Let me be the one you need (B. Withers, S Scarborough) 3 You bring out the love in me (K. Peterson) 4 Please stay (C. Conners, D. Shire) 5 He's gone (A. Smith, G. Goldner, R. Barrett) 6 Love fire (B. Esty, M. Aller) 7 Here's my love (A. Miller, K. Echols) 8 Signed, sealed, delivered (I'm yours) (L. Garrett, L. Hardaway, S. Wonder, S. Wright) 9 Dance for me children (C. Robbertson jr, S. Brown, S. Wright) 10 One more time for love (J. Peters) Musicians: Steve Lukather - guitar (2) (3) (5) (6) Jay Graydon - guitar Syreeta Wright - vocals Stevie Wonder - vocals Billy Preston - keyboards and others

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