Billy Wright (musician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Billy Wright
Background information
Birth name	William Wright
Also known as	Prince of the Blues
Born	(1918-05-21)May 21, 1918 or 1928 or 1932 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Died	(1991-10-28)October 28, 1991 (aged 59/63/73) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Jump blues R&B
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	1930s or 1940s–1991
Labels	Savoy Peacock

William Wright (born May 21, 1918, or 1932 – died October 28, 1991) was an American singer. He was a very important figure in blues music after World War II. Many people believe he greatly influenced the famous rock-and-roll singer Little Richard when Little Richard was starting his career.

The Life of Billy Wright

Early Years and Music Beginnings

Billy Wright was born in Atlanta, Georgia. There is some debate about his exact birth year. Some records say he was born in 1918, while others suggest 1928 or 1932.

When he was a child, Billy was very good at singing gospel music in his church. As a young man, he worked as a dancer. He started to become a well-known singer by performing at the 81 Theater in Atlanta.

Becoming a Star

A famous saxophonist named Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams saw Billy Wright perform. Paul Williams was so impressed that he told Herman Lubinsky of Savoy Records about Billy. This led to Billy Wright getting his first record deal.

His first song, "Blues for My Baby," became a hit. It reached number 3 on the Billboard R&B music chart in 1949. The R&B chart tracks the most popular rhythm and blues songs. Billy had three more songs that made it onto the R&B chart:

• "You Satisfy" (number 9, 1949)
• "Stacked Deck" (number 9, 1951)
• "Hey, Little Girl" (number 10, 1951)

Billy Wright was known for his exciting stage performances. People called him the "Prince of the Blues."

Influence on Little Richard

Billy Wright was a major influence on Little Richard, who became a rock-and-roll pioneer. Billy helped Little Richard get his first record contract in 1951. In the early 1950s, Billy also gave Little Richard advice on his stage look. He suggested that Little Richard use makeup and wear his hair in a tall, styled pompadour, similar to Billy's own style.

Later Career and Legacy

In 1954, Billy Wright signed a contract with Peacock Records. He made his last recordings in 1959. After that, he mainly worked as a master of ceremonies (MC) in Atlanta. An MC is someone who hosts events and introduces performers.

Billy Wright continued to perform until he had a stroke. He passed away on October 28, 1991, from a pulmonary embolism. This happened just before he was supposed to perform a Halloween show at the Royal Peacock in Atlanta.

Billy Wright's Music

Hit Singles

Here are some of the songs Billy Wright released as singles:

• "Blues for My Baby" / "You Satisfy" (1949)
• "Man’s Brand Boogie" / "Beg-a-Dog" (1950)
• "I Keep Drinkin'" / "Billy’s Boogie Blues" (1950)
• "Back Biting Woman" / "Thinkin' Blues" (1950)
• "After Dark Blues" / "Heavy Hearted Blues" (1951)
• "'Fore Day Blues" / "Empty Hands" (1951)
• "Mean Old Wine" / "Keep Your Hands on Your Heart" (1951)
• "Stacked Deck" / "Mercy Mercy" (1951)
• "Hey Little Girl" / "Gotta Find My Baby" (1951)
• "New Kind of Lovin'" / "When the Wagon Comes" (1952)
• "Turn Your Lamps Down Low" / "Drinkin' and Thinkin'" (1952)
• "Married Woman’s Boogie" / "Every Evening" (1952)
• "If I Didn’t Love You" / "Goin' Down Slow" (1952)
• "After a While" / "Four Cold Cold Walls" (1953)
• "Live the Life" / "I Remember" (1954)
• "Bad Luck, Heartaches, and Trouble" / "The Question" (1955)
• "Have Mercy Baby" / "I Love You Sweetheart" (1959)

Albums and Other Recordings

Billy Wright also had many other recordings, some of which were released on albums later. These include:

• Stacked Deck (1980)
• Goin Down Slow (1984)
• Billy Wright/Little Richard: Baby Don’t You Want a Man Like Me (1987)
• Billy Wright (1994)
• Classics 1949-1951 (2003)
• Have Mercy Baby (This album includes his songs from Peacock, Carrollton, and Atlanta labels.)

Images for kids

• 

  Billy Wright in a publicity photo for Peacock Records.