Syreeta

Syreeta Wright records as Syreeta and is a US singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is active from the 1960s until her death in 2004 and is associated with soul, Motown, funk and 1970s R&B.

Early career and Motown

In the 1960s, Syreeta works at Motown as a secretary before being brought in as a backing singer. Berry Gordy later signs her to the label, and she records “I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You,” a Brian Holland and Ashford & Simpson song that is first intended for Diana Ross.

Work with Stevie Wonder

Syreeta marries Stevie Wonder in 1970, and although the marriage ends after 18 months, the two continue to work together as songwriters. Their collaborations include “If You Really Love Me,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)” and The Spinners’ “It's a Shame.”

Solo albums and singles

Her first solo album, Syreeta, is produced by Stevie Wonder and issued on the MoWest imprint in 1972. Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta follows in 1974 and reflects the arc of the relationship from love and marriage through divorce and friendship. The two albums reach No. 185 and No. 116 on the Billboard album chart. Her singles include “Spinnin' and Spinnin'” and “Your Kiss Is Sweet.”

Her highest-charting solo album is the self-titled Syreeta released on Motown’s Tamla imprint in 1980, which reaches No. 73. That period also includes “With You I'm Born Again,” a duet with Billy Preston that appears on the soundtrack to the film Fast Break and reaches No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Later work and collaborations

Syreeta records her last studio album, The Spell, in 1983, with production by Jermaine Jackson. Her later résumé includes work with Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Leon Ware and Donald Byrd. After that album, she keeps a low profile but appears as a guest vocalist on recordings by Kirk Whalum in 1989 and Nelson Rangell in 1992. She also records with Michael Bolton.

Later performances and releases

In 1994, Syreeta tours with the Jesus Christ Superstar cast led by Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson, playing Mary Magdalene. She also spends time in the United Kingdom and records songs that are issued there on Motorcity compilations, with the same material also appearing on a Japanese-only CD titled With You I'm Born Again.

Death and later recognition

Syreeta dies in 2004 from congestive heart failure linked to treatment for breast cancer. Her song “Harmour Love” later appears in the opening and closing credits of the film Junebug, helping draw renewed attention to her catalogue, including One to One.