Marva Wright Dies

Marva Wright, 62, New Orleans blues and gospel singer, died March 23 from complications from a stroke she suffered last year.

Marva sang traditional jazz and gospel standards but was better known for her sultry and bawdy tunes such as “Heartbreakin’ Woman” and “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean.”

She and her band, The BMWs, was known to draw big crowds at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Wright was hospitalized in June after suffering a serious stroke following a gig at the CoCo Club on Bourbon Street. She apparently had just recovered from a less serious stroke.