Sounds of Soul
This song about a woman who loses her man because she cheats on him was written and produced by Clarence Reed and Willie Clarke. It was first released as a single in 1971 backed with “I’ll Love You Forever.” It went to #6 on the U.S. Pop Singles chart and #3 on the U.S. Black Singles chart. It sold more than one million copies and earned an RIAA gold record. Willie “Little Beaver” Hale played the hot guitar lick. “Clean Up Woman” was also released on Betty Wright’s 1972 album I Love the Way You Love.
The song has been covered by Blowfly (Clarence Reed), Al Kooper, Maria Muldaur, and Leela James. It has also been sampled by 30+ other songs, including Afrika Bambaattaa, Mary J. Bilige, Sublime, and Chance the Rapper.
Betty Wright was born Bessie Regina Norris in Miami Florida. She recorded her signature song “Clean Up Woman” when she was only 17. She went on to have success in a number of genres, including R&B, soul, gospel, and disco.