While the passing of gospel legend, Patrinell Wright, leaves us heartbroken, NAAM honors the incredible legacy she leaves behind.

The Northwest African American Museum is saddened by the passing of Patrinell Wright, legendary gospel music icon of the Pacific Northwest. We celebrate her generous life and the numerous ways she invested in the musical talent of local youth from the 1970s through the 2010s. No one was as instrumental in building the musical confidence and skills of Seattle's young people as Pat Wright, music educator and founder of the Total Experience Gospel Choir.

NAAM’s Education Coordinator and ACE Music Director Jason Turner pays tribute to Patrinell Wright: “Pat Wright was incredibly influential to me in my youth. She taught me the craft of conducting and teaching vocal harmonies. I also learned piano techniques and how to play traditional gospel from Pat as well. I sang lead on the Total Experiences first album entitled "Shine". I sang lead with Cherrie Brooks on the song "Going up Yonder" written by Walter Hawkins. I was able to travel with the choir to many regions of the United States and Canada with the choir as well. I will forever cherish my years (from eight years old to fourteen years old) in the Total Experience Gospel choir. My heart is saddened by the loss of this great musical leader and songstress. God Bless Pat Wright and may she rest in eternal peace.”

Photo of Jason Turner, NAAM’s Education Coordinator and ACE Music Director, in his youth with the Total Experience Gospel Choir

NAAM's African American Cultural Ensemble (ACE) owes its existence to Pat Wright's musical legacy - so many of our ACE vocalists and musicians learned cultural music years ago under her tutelage.

Additionally, NAAM's 2020-2021 Youth Curators paid tribute to Pat Wright when we featured her in our Emmy-nominated Youth Curator animation entitled "Washington State's Black Women of the Arts", viewable HERE. Wright was one of four arts leaders chosen to be featured in the animation short.

The Northwest African American Museums honors Pat Wright and we sing praises to her legacy of love. We celebrate the ways she centered Black heritage through her music and exemplary singing voice. Long live the legacy of Patrinell Wright.