R.I.P.: Edna Wright, Lead Singer For 'Honey Cone'

Edna Wright

Edna Wright, the lead singer of the early 1970s R&B group Honey Cone, died Saturday at the age of 76.

Wright, who reportedly suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, suffered a heart attack at a hospital in Encino, Calif., according to the NY Daily News.

“I’m in complete shock and so heartbroken by the sudden loss of my beautiful baby sister,” wrote sibling and Blossoms singer-actress Darlene Love on Saturday, according to Showbiz411. “Please keep me and my family in your prayers during this very sad time for us.”

In her early days, Wright sang backup for numerous artists, including the Righteous Brothers and Ray Charles. Under the stage name Sandy Wynns, she recorded the 1960s single “The Touch of Venus,” according to 24-7.

In 1969, Wright formed Honey Cone as a trio comprising herself, Carolyn Willis and Shelly Clark. “Working together with Edna was magical,” recalled Willis on Saturday. “My heart is broken and my love and thoughts go out to her family and daughter Melodye.”

In 1971, the group topped the Billboard Hot 100 with the melodically funky hit “Want Ads" from the album “Soulful Tapestry.” The song spent one week at No. 1, bumping off The Rolling Stones' “Brown Sugar.”

 

 The single also spent three weeks atop the R&B chart.

The group broke up in 1973, having never generated a hit as big as “Want Ads.” Three years later, Wright released her first solo album, “Oops! Here I Go Again.”

In the 1980s and ’90s, Wright provided backup vocals for many musical acts, including U2, Kim Carnes, Aaron Neville and gospel legend Andraé Crouch, according to 24-7.