Syreeta Wright, Stevie Wonder ex, dead

[desdemona]

Singer-songwriter Syreeta Wright, best known for her duet with Billy Preston on "With You I'm Born Again" and as the former wife of Stevie Wonder, died Monday after a long struggle with cancer. She was 58.

Wright recorded six albums for Motown, the most notable being the first two, which were produced by Wonder.

Born Rita Wright in Pittsburgh, Syreeta was working in the '60s as a Motown secretary when she was enlisted as a backup singer. Founder Berry Gordy later signed her to the label and she recorded a Brian Holland/Ashford & Simpson tune initially meant for Diana Ross, "I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You."

Wright married Wonder in 1970. Although the union lasted only two years, their professional collaboration as songwriters spawned a series of hits, including "If You Really Love Me," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" and the Spinners' "It's a Shame."

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http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/0...reut/index.html