Lizz Wright

One of the most intriguing singers to emerge in recent years, Lizz Wright gives the impression that she can sing anything in any field, from jazz and gospel to R&B and pop. Born in Hahira, Georgia to a father who was a minister and a mother who sang gospel music in church, she played piano and sang in church as a child. In high school she studied choral singing, performing with groups that won national awards. Wright studied voice at Georgia State University in Atlanta and also attended the New School in New York. Back in Atlanta, she gained recognition for her singing with the jazz group In the Spirit. In002 Wright was part of Terence Blanchard’s touring Billie Holiday tribute and her singing resulted in her getting a great deal of attention.

Signed to Verve, she debuted with #Salt# in003 which features her singing both jazz and R&B and contributing some memorable originals. Wright has also recorded with Toots Thielemans, Danilo Perez, Joe Sample and as part of an Ella Fitzgerald tribute. Inspired by Dianne Reeves, Abbey Lincoln and Nina Simone, Lizz Wright has since recorded #Dreaming Wide Awake# and #The Orchid#, displaying her roots in gospel music while creating new music. Her potential is unlimited no matter what musical direction she eventually chooses for herself.