UPDATE: Following Bernard Wright’s death, Roberta Flack issued a statement. In a tweet that mourned Wright, it confirmed he was the “Killing Me Softly With His Song” singer’s godson and former music director. Other sources, including a 1997 New York Times article, had claimed that Wright was Flack’s son. Flack added that Bernard’s sudden passing was 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

The original May 20 version of this story reported that the 85-year-old songstress and former husband Steve Novosel were Wright’s birth parents.

ORIGINAL MAY 20 STORY: Bernard Wright was a vocalist, keyboardist, and songwriter who made blended Jazz with Funk, and other genres. His prodigious 1981 album ‘Nard featured songs that have been sampled into Hip-Hop hits by LL Cool J, Skee-Lo, Snoop Dogg, and J-Live. Later, the artist collaborated with Doug E. Fresh, Miles Davis, Cameo, and Bobby Brown, among others. He also formed The RH Factor, a super-group including The Roots/Soulquarians’ James Poyser, the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove, bassist Pino Palladino, and others. They released three albums between 2003 and 2006. Soul Tracks’ Chris Rizik first reported that Wright had died after collaborator Billy “Spaceman” Patterson posted a memorial on Facebook. He was 58 years old. No cause of death has been made public at this time.

On behalf of the family of Bernard Wright (Nard), We are saddened to announce that yesterday. Bernard has been called home to the Most High. 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,” wrote his longtime collaborator.

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A native of New York’s Jamaica, Queens, Bernard Wright earned recognition early in life. By 13, he was a touring musician with Tom Browne. He also contributed studio work for Taana Gardner. At the top of the 1980s, Bernard Wright was signed by Dave Grusin and Larry Rose’s Verve-distributed GRP Records. In 1981, he released ‘Nard, produced by the label founders. That LP, featuring background vocals from Luther Vandross, contained “Haboglabotribin’,” a track later sampled by Dr. Dre for Snoop Dogg’s “G’z & Hustla’s.” It also contained “Spinnin’,” the basis of Skee-Lo’s hit “I Wish.”

Wright continued to blend Jazz with Funk, R&B, and Pop. His third solo album, Mr. Wright, contains the video single “Who Do You Love?” That 1985 Manhattan Records track became the basis for LL Cool J’s “Loungin’ (Remix)” a decade later. By the 1990s, Bernard Wright halted his solo career to play in other collectives and record albums, including the Soulquarians-affiliated RH Factor. Roy Hargrove’s group would eventually collaborate with Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Q-Tip, among others.

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Ambrosia For Heads extends condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Bernard Wright.