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Syreeta Wright Obituary

Motown recording artist and songwriter Syreeta Wright, who collaborated with ex-husband Stevie Wonder in writing several hits including " Signed, Sealed, Delivered " and " If You Really Love Me, " has died. She was 58.

Wright died June 6 at her Los Angeles home surrounded by family after battling breast cancer, said her sister, Kim Barnum.

" She was very, very loving, giving, very talented, " Barnum said.

" She loved her music, and she loved all her fans, " added Steve Barnum, Wright ' s brother-in-law.

Wright was also known for her hit duet with Billy Preston, " With You I ' m Born Again, " from the 1979 film " Fast Break. "

She married Wonder in 1970 and the two divorced about two years later. They remained friends and collaborators until her death, Kim Barnum said.

Wonder produced two of Wright ' s albums, including " Syreeta " and " Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta " about their love, divorce and friendship.

Calls to Wonder ' s agent for comment weren ' t returned.

Wright was born in Pittsburgh and later moved to Detroit, where she worked as a Motown secretary and later a backup singer.

Motown founder Berry Gordy signed her to the label as " Rita Wright, " under which she released " I Can ' t Give Back the Love I Feel for You, " written by Brian Holland and Ashford & Simpson.

She did her later recording as Syreeta Wright.

Wright recorded her last album, " The Spell, " in 1983.

In addition to her sister, she is survived by her four children and her mother.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jul. 11, 2004.

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R.A. Smalls

February 9, 2023

I fell in love, with Syreeta Wright. While listening to her 1974 LP album: "Stevie Wonder, Presents Syreeta Wright." While not knowing she had co-written Stevie Wonders, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Your's) hit song. And She had co-written/sung on Stevie Wonder's: 1970 l.p. "Where I'm Coming From", hit l.p. and co-written Wonder's 1972 "Music Of My Mind" hit l.p. In addition, the very talented Syreeta, had her own successful solo/duets career. With American popular music artist like: G.C. Cameron/Billy Preston.
My heart was broken. Upon hearing of the transition of my beloved: Syreeta Wright, my belated condolences to her family/friends. And may "Syreeta" rest in the eternity of the Cosmos! Xoxo.

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