Various US news agencies are reporting the death at age 78 of super session guitarist ARTHUR G WRIGHT.
Born in 1937, Wright enjoyed a long and distinguished music career. He started way back in the era of doo-wop and rock n roll, but he’ll be best remembered for his work supporting soul stars of the genre’s golden age.
It’s estimated that Arthur performed on over 5,000 recordings – with the best known outings being Marvin Gaye’s ‘Let’s Get It On’, Diana Ross’ ‘Love Hangover’ and Thelma Houston’s ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’. He played on countless other Motown recordings (including tracks with Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and the Jackson 5) and he enjoyed a close relationship with producer Hal Davis.
Other artists who benefited from Arthur’s dependable playing number the 5th Dimension, Ray Charles, Friends Of Distinction, Jimmy Witherspoon, the Righteous Brothers, Odyssey, Bettye Swann, The Emotions, Little Richard, Mary Love, Leon Haywood, Jerry Butler, Z.Z. Hill, Side Effect, Donna Summer, Jose Feliciano, Ike & Tina Turner and Little Johnny Taylor.
For a time in the 70s Wright was in a band of his own… the Wright Bros. Flying Machine and their 1978 Casablanca album is highly sought after.
