Mariah praises Rockford native
Grammy Award-winning songbird Mariah Carey sent a shout out to Jimmy Wright this week during her interview on Steve Harvey's syndicated radio show. Rockford native "Big Jim" Wright, as the successful producer is known, co-wrote "Fly Like A Bird", the gospel song on Carey's best-selling 2005 album, "The Emancipation of Mimi".
The song has Wright's soulful vibe and opens with one of my favorite Scripture-based sayings: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning light." Wright has worked with Carey for years, writing and producing songs, as well as playing music for the singer famous for her five-octave vocal range. He also has worked with Janet Jackson, Sting and Usher, just to name a few.
Before hitting the big time with Sounds of Blackness and superproducers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Wright played organ for several local churches, including Bethel Baptist and Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal.
He returns to Rockford several times a year for various occasions. He and Destiny's Child star Michelle Williams made appearances at the '70s Landmark Gospel Concert Lori Flemming organized in March. It's great to see hometown folks become superstars and remember their roots. (Rockford Register Star)
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