One of deep soul's most impressive stylists, O.V. Wright started out as a youngster singing with several different gospel groups, such as the Highway Q.C.'s and the Sunset Travelers. Moving into R&B as both singer and songwriter, Wright made a series of genre-defining records in the '60s. In the '70s, along with Al Green, he helped create the classic soul sound of Hi Records, recording a string of Hi hits with genius Memphis producer Willie Mitchell. Wright continued working through the late '70s, but the southern soul giant died of a heart attack in 1980 at the age of 41.