Charles Wright: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Videos
• Photos
• Groups/Boards
• Fan Sites

• The Bar-Kays
• Archie Bell
• Earth, Wind & Fire
• The JB's
• Willie Feaster
• Fugi
• Funkadelic

• James Brown/The JB's
• Stone Stone

• L.T.D.
• Earth, Wind & Fire
• Brick
• Afrika Bambaataa
• Public Enemy
• The Ohio Players

• The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band

• The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band

• Chuck Wright

Born:

Jan 1, 1942 in Clarksdale, MS

Genres:

R&B and Soul Music, Funk Music, Rock Music

Decades Active:

1960's|1970's|1990's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Medium

Popularity

Medium

Ratings Guide

Charles Wright headed one of the great funk groups of the late '60s and early '70s, the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. Wright, who was born in Clarksdale, MS, was a singer, pianist, guitarist, and leader of the eight-member band, which had been recruited from Watts in Los Angeles. They were originally known as the Soul Runners. Bill Cosby helped get the band off the ground by giving them appearances at his gigs. They began recording for Keyman in 1967, then moved to Warner Bros. in 1969. While "Do Your Thing" and "Till You Get Enough" were Top 20 RB hits, their finest selection was "Express Yourself," a song that expressed the urge for freedom as adroitly as the Isley Brothers' "It's Your Thing" had in the '60s. It has also been among the most sampled funk tracks for hip-hop and rap groups. "Your Love (Means Everything to Me)" was their final RB hit in 1971, peaking at number nine RB and number 12 pop. The group's best ballad, "Love Land," did better among pop fans than RB ones, many of whom saw it as a bit soft. They continued recording for Dunhill in 1973 before disbanding. Drummer James Gadson and guitarist Al McKay, who later joined Earth, Wind Fire, were among the instrumental corps of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.

- Ron Wynn, All Music Guide