Eleanor Wright

Gospel singer, pianist and songwriter out of Germantown, Ohio. Born November 20, 1926 Dayton, Ohio (the 13th of 14 children) Died May 24, 1992 (age of 65). She displayed musical talent at an early age and was taught piano by her older brothers. In her mid-twenties, Eleanor and her husband Harold cofounded the 100-voice Sweet Chariot Choir, which sang with well-known national recording stars Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin. She later formed the Blend Wright Trio, a women’s trio that included herself and two sisters-in-law, Audrey and Jackie, which toured widely, performing concerts of her music in the United States, Bermuda, and Switzerland. In addition to gospel songs, Wright also wrote anthems and children's and wedding songs. She taught piano to children and wrote and illustrated the "Keyboard Cousins Method" for teaching that age group. Following her death, Eleanor Wright was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, given at the United Christian Artists Association Music Legends Ball in 2008 in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Eleanor Wright is credited with composing over 200 songs, publishing three songbooks, and recording several albums She was arguably one of the most influential persons to help gain acceptance for gospel music of the black experience in the Seventh-day Adventist church.