Billy Wright (musician)

Billy Wright
Also known as Prince of the Blues
Born (1932-05-21)May 21, 1932
Origin Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Died October 28, 1991(1991-10-28) (aged 59)
Genres Soul blues, jump blues, R&B
Occupation(s) Singer
Instruments Fiddle, piano, vocals
Years active Late 1940s–1980s
Labels Savoy Records, Peacock Records
Associated acts Little Richard

Billy Wright (May 21, 1932 – October 28, 1991)[1] was an American jump blues singer. Wright is considered one of Little Richard's primary influences.

Biography

Billy Wright was born in Atlanta, Georgia. As a child, Wright excelled in at singing gospel music in his local church, but developed as a blues musician when he began performing in Atlanta's 81 Theater. Saxist Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams caught Wright's act when the two shared a bill with Charles Brown and Wynonie Harris, and recommended him to record producer Herman Lubinsky of Savoy Records.[2] Throughout his career, he was known as the "Prince of the Blues."[1] He was a key figure in Atlanta blues after World War II and had a major influence on rock and roll pioneer Little Richard, whom he helped get his first recording contract.[3]

He recorded his last recordings in 1959. He continued to do shows around Atlanta until he suffered a stroke, and then died of a pulmonary embolism,[1] just before his 1991 Halloween Show at the Royal Peacock in Atlanta.

Discography

Singles

Other recordings

Albums

References

  1. 1 2 3 Thedeadrockstarsclub.com - accessed July 2010
  2. ↑ Dahl, Bill. "Bill Wright - Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  3. ↑ White, Charles. (2003). The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorised Biography. p. 25. Omnibus Press

External links

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