R&B keyboardist and singer-songwriter Bernard Wright, 58, died Thursday after being involved in a traffic accident in Dallas, Texas, SoulTrackers announced.
The “Who Do You Love” hitmaker was the Godson and former music director for singer Roberta Flack, who also posted the news on Twitter.
“Last night, my godson and former music director, Bernard Wright, passed away suddenly,” the tweet read. “I loved Bernard very much and believed deeply in his talent. His loss is heartbreaking.”
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
Wright’s fellow musician William S. Patterson released a statement on Friday on his Facebook page on behalf of the family.
“We are saddened to announce that yesterday Bernard has been called come to the Most High,” the statement read. “Many thanks for everyone’s support, encouragement, and prayers for Nard throughout the years. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Our hearts are heavy, and our faith is strong. To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord! LOVE! Rest In Power, Nard.”
On behalf of the family of Bernard Wright (Nard),
We are saddened to announce that yesterday
Bernard has been called…Posted by William S. Patterson on Friday, May 20, 2022
The talented musician was born in Queens, New York, surrounded by Jamaican culture, and, as a child prodigy, made music with Jamaican artists Tom Browne and Lenny White at 13, becoming an influencer in the music scene. At such a young age, Wright was not only improving his talents but getting a taste of the music industry by touring with Browne and White.
Eventually, the R&B singer signed with GRP Records at 17 and became a hitmaker at 19 with his smash hit “Who Do You Love,” which artists in the hip hop community like Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, and LL Cool J have sampled in their songs. Wright was known to experiment with his sound, migrating from funk and jazz to R&B, ultimately settling for an intentional R&B sound. He did release his deputy LP, “‘Nard,” in 1981, which was a hit on jazz charts, but most know him for “Who Do You Love, which is on his “Mr. Wright” album.
The keyboardist has also worked with other well-known musicians like Marcus Miller, Cameo, and Miles Davis.
Many took to social media to express their condolences.
View this post on Instagram
Funk and soul legend Bernard Wright has passed, those who know know…. R.I.P. 🕊#Bernardwright my condolences to his mother Roberta Flack pic.twitter.com/jlKxLRSKby
— Jodeci Boots (@RachelStewarts) May 20, 2022
I’m broken-hearted to hear that Bernard Wright has passed away. I loved loved loved that ‘Nard album SO hard. His music was a huge influence on me. “Who Do You Love” ALONE shaped so much of how I approach writing/recording/arranging. R.I.P. to this king. pic.twitter.com/9zXY0zf53j
— Sy Smith (@Syberspace) May 20, 2022
