Benjamin Wright King of Strings

Photos By DaMarko GianCarlo
Story By Kyra Greene

In the world of music, there are those who create melodies, and then there are those who craft the very essence of music itself. Benjamin Wright belongs to the latter category, a master of his craft, and a maestro of strings.

It was on the 28th day of a challenging 30-day assignment that Benjamin Wright found himself facing a formidable task. His mission was no ordinary one; he was tasked with composing a song that would etch its name in the annals of music history. But this wasn’t the digital age with the convenience of computers and synthesizers; it was an era of pen and paper, where every note had to be meticulously written by hand. His challenge was nothing short of creating a song for the incomparable Michael Jackson, under the discerning gaze of the legendary Quincy Jones.

As an American producer and composer, Benjamin Wright looked back on those days, reminiscing from the comfort of his candy-apple leather office chair. “For 28 days, I couldn’t write anything,” he recalled. The weight of composing for a musical giant like Quincy Jones had left him momentarily stifled. Yet, when the day of reckoning arrived, Wright strode into the studio, music sheets in hand, and distributed them to the assembled musicians. He recalled with vivid clarity the moment when Quincy Jones, observing from the control room, dropped to his knees. In that heart-stopping instant, Wright was certain he had failed. But then, Jones’s ecstatic exclamation shattered the silence: “This is a motherfucker!” The magic was in the string arrangement, a stroke of brilliance that set the stage for a masterpiece.

The string arrangement for “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough” marked a pivotal moment in Benjamin Wright’s illustrious career. It was the inception of a journey that would see him craft timeless music and intricate arrangements for some of the greatest artists of his time. While his name may not be as immediately recognizable as the stars he worked with, it’s high time to cast a spotlight on the genius behind the music.

Benjamin Wright is no one-trick pony in the world of music. Throughout his storied career, he has donned multiple hats, including those of a producer, music arranger, composer, writer, conductor, and music director. His influence extends across a vast array of legendary artists, from Earth, Wind & Fire to Barry White, from Mary J. Blige to Tupac. His trademark string arrangements and horn orchestrations have left an indelible mark on the music industry, with countless rappers and singers sampling his iconic work.

Wright’s journey began in the modest setting of Greenville, Mississippi, in 1946. Yet, it was far from a smooth start, as he found himself expelled from high school in his senior year. Despite being the drum major in the school band, Wright’s passion for music led him to challenge the conventional choices of the band director. His aspiration was to play the music he heard on the radio. However, this daring endeavor exposed a hidden talent – writing music. Wright recalled that pivotal moment: “We played it for him, and it sounded like shit. But writing music and playing, it affected me differently than the others.” It was the inception of his musical odyssey.

His quest for musical knowledge eventually led him to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, albeit in its early incarnation as a correspondence school. Wright painstakingly learned to read and write music through distance learning, with assignments sent and returned by post. His unwavering dedication bore fruit, and he successfully completed his courses at Berklee in 1968.

Wright’s promising musical career faced an unexpected detour when he was summoned for the Vietnam War draft at the tender age of 18. To evade the army, he enlisted in the Air Force before the government came knocking. Following his military service, he embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to Chicago, where he joined the funk and soul band Pieces of Peace. This was also a period of personal growth as he attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music and earned a Ph.D. from the Pentecostal Bible College in Tuskegee, Alabama.

However, it was the move to Los Angeles in 1975 that truly catapulted his music career. It was there that the legendary Quincy Jones made a fateful phone call, setting the stage for Wright’s extraordinary career. His intricate string arrangements graced Michael Jackson’s debut solo album, leaving an indelible mark on hits like “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough” and “Rock With You.” Quincy Jones was so impressed that he entrusted “Rock With You” to Wright on the very day they met.

From that point onwards, Benjamin Wright continued to defy the odds with his musical prowess. His exquisite string arrangements played a pivotal role in elevating Quincy Jones’s album “The Dude” to the top of music charts in 1981. Their collaboration on the song “100 Ways” not only left a lasting impact but also earned them a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

Today, at the age of 77, Benjamin Wright remains a stalwart in the world of music. He stands as a musical authority, pushing the boundaries of his craft and leaving an indelible imprint on the industry. His work continues to transcend time, with arrangements gracing songs by contemporary artists like Tony, Toni, Tone, Dru Hill, Beyoncé, and Justin Timberlake. His influence is unmistakable, and his journey is a testament to the power of passion and talent in the realm of music.

As the maestro of strings, Benjamin Wright’s legacy endures, with his music resonating across generations and his name etched among the greats of the industry. It’s a story that deserves to be heard and celebrated, a tale of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to the art of music.