Air Week: February 20-26, 2023

Billy Wright: Prince of the BluesHe was flamboyant, over-the-top and often called the “Prince of the Blues,” but Billy Wright was also an incredible, influential vocalist and an integral part in propelling Rhythm & Blues into the mainstream. Though he wouldn’t be able to transition to Rock n’ Roll, the new music he was helping to create, his influence shined bright in that of Little Richard, both in singing style and on-stage persona. Born and raised in Atlanta, Wright remained in that city until the day he died. He got his start dancing and singing as part of the Bailey’s 81 Theater stage show and later, their traveling troupe which played summer tent shows across the South and Midwest. After cutting out on his own, he was the opening act one night for Charles Brown, Wynonie Harris and Paul “Hucklebuck” Williams. Williams was so impressed with Wright, that he helped him get signed to Savoy Records. Billy Wright scored 4 hits for Savoy from late 1949 to early 1952 and even though he stopped recording after ’59, Wright never stopped performing. This week, Matt The Cat, digs up the true story of one of music’s first openly gay artists who helped pave the way for the energy, flamboyance and glitter that soon become commonplace in Rock n’ Roll. Billy Wright is the feature on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

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