O.V. Wright was a powerhouse of Southern soul, celebrated for his deeply emotive voice and gospel‑infused delivery. Emerging from the Memphis music scene in the 1960s, he first gained attention with “That’s How Strong My Love Is” before signing with producer Willie Mitchell at Hi Records, where he created some of his most enduring work. Blending church‑bred fervor with raw secular emotion, Wright became a defining figure of deep soul, influencing generations of R&B and blues artists with his heartfelt performances and timeless recordings.