American jazz and gospel singer (born 1980)
Elizabeth LaCharla Wright (born January 22, 1980) professionally known as Lizz Wright, is an American jazz and gospel singer.
Early life and education.
Wright was born in the small town of Hahira, which is northwest of Valdosta, Georgia, one of three children and the daughter of a minister and the musical director of their church. She started singing gospel music and playing piano in church as a child, and became interested in jazz and blues. She attended Houston County High School in Warner Robins, Georgia, where she was in choral singing and received the National Choral Award. She went to Georgia State University in Atlanta to study singing. Then she studied at The New School in New York and in Vancouver, BC.
Career.
Wright joined the In the Spirit in 2000, a vocal quartet based in Atlanta; in 2002 she signed a recording contract with Verve Records. Her musical compositions and vocal style have led to her being compared to Norah Jones.
Her first album, "Salt", was released in the spring of 2003 and reached No. 2 on the "Billboard" Top Contemporary Jazz chart in 2004. Her next release was a jazz and pop blend incorporating folk music. "Dreaming Wide Awake" was released in June 2005 and was No. 1 on the Top Contemporary Jazz chart in 2005 and 2006. In 2008, Wright released "The Orchard" to positive reviews. She released her fourth album, "Fellowship", in 2010. Most of the songs on "Fellowship" are gospel standards.
Personal life.
Wright is married to arts administrator Monica Haslip.
References.
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