The late Soul singer, songwriter and producer Betty Wright had a rich and diverse career, first as a teenage star, then as a top tier soul and dance singer, and later as a mentor for a new generation of performers. And in that time span, she created a whole lotta great music.
Back in the early 80s, Betty released a self-titled album on Columbia Records, produced by Rufus’s Andre Fisher, that deserved a far larger audience than it received. The disc included a number of great cuts, none better than a seven minute, bluesy soul number that Betty took to the moon and back vocally.
“One Bad Habit” is the age old story of a woman who can’t seem to shake a man. She doesn’t smoke or drink, but this guy has become her “one bad habit.” With saxophone solos, a lugubrious, relaxed beat, and even backing strings, the arrangement allows the glorious Ms. Wright to simply do her thing – and that she does with aplomb.
Check out “One Bad Habit,” our latest SoulTracks Lost Gem, and tell us what you think.
By Chris Rizik
