SAA’s Honors Co-Founder Patrinell Wright
Our Hero!


Patrinell “Pat” Wright


Co-Founder/Global Hero/Consultant
Pastor Pat Wright is known as Seattle’s First Lady of Gospel. She is the founder and director of the internationally acclaimed Total Experience Gospel Choir.  After 45 years, Pat retired the choir in 2018 – taking the group around the world visiting 38 states, 22 countries on 5 continents.  She has performed with and for 3 U.S. Presidents and many other global leaders.  She has sung with Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, The Judds, Dave Matthews, Heart, and hundreds of other recording artists.

Two Civil Rights Leaders:
Pat Wright & SNCC Member Bob Zellner

Pastor Pat has also represented the Pacific Northwest when performing for the Dalai Lama, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Congressman John Lewis, just to name a few dignitaries.  Mrs. Wright has been recognized as the only musician to sing at Jimi Hendrix’s funeral in Seattle on Thursday, October 1, 1970. Her leadership and voice have earned hundreds of awards and she was named the first Black Seafair Queen in 2002.  Pastor Wright was presented the 2007 ABC World News Tonight Person of the Year Award for her untiring commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.

Pat has always challenged us to be a voice for the voiceless.  Ms. Wright has lifted her voice and has sung around the world uniting all people of different races.