Singer with remarkable vocal range had been sampled by generations of hip-hop and R&B artists, including
Beyoncé and Mary J Blige

The soul, funk and R&B
Singer Betty Wright, celebrated across pop genres for her remarkable vocal prowess, has died aged 66.
The cause of death was not immediately known but Wright’s niece confirmed the news, writing on Twitter: “Sleep in peace aunty Betty Wright. Fly high angel.”