Early Wright facts for kids

Early Wright (born February 10, 1915 – died December 10, 1999) was a very important person in radio history. He was the first black disc jockey (or DJ) in Mississippi. For over 50 years, his famous "Soul Man" show was broadcast on WROX radio in Clarksdale. Many famous musicians visited his show, including Elvis Presley, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Ike & Tina Turner.

Early Life and Career

Early Wright was born on February 10, 1915, in Jefferson, Mississippi. When he was younger, he worked as an auto mechanic and even as a train engineer. In 1937, he moved to Clarksdale and started his own business fixing cars.

In 1945, Early Wright visited the WROX radio station in Clarksdale. He was managing a gospel music group called the Four Star Quartet. This group had a 15-minute show on Sunday mornings. The station manager, Preston "Buck" Hinman, was very impressed by Early's friendly personality. In 1947, he offered Early a job as WROX's first black announcer.

Before taking the job, Early wanted to make sure it was okay to play blues music on the radio. He talked to his preacher about it. Once he accepted, Early created two different characters for his four-hour nightly show. As the "Soul Man," he played exciting blues music. Then, he would switch to playing gospel music and become "Brother Early."

Many musicians got their start or became more famous by appearing on Early's show. Ike Turner and his band, the Kings of Rhythm, sometimes played live on the show. Even Elvis Presley appeared on Early Wright's show early in his career. Later, when some people criticized Elvis for using music styles from black musicians, Early Wright defended him. He said that Elvis truly understood and respected the music.

Later Years and Legacy

Early Wright retired from broadcasting in 1997 after a very long and successful career. He had been a DJ for 50 years! He passed away on December 10, 1999, in Memphis, Tennessee, at 84 years old.

Early Wright left a lasting impact on music and radio.

• In 1988, the Center for Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi created a scholarship in his name. They also held an annual talk at the university about his amazing career.
• Every year, the Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival in Clarksdale gives out the Early Wright Blues Heritage Award. This award honors people who are not musicians but have worked hard to keep blues music alive and well in the Mississippi Delta region.
• The city of Clarksdale also honored him by naming the road where he lived "Early Wright Drive."

Early Wright is remembered as a pioneer in radio and a champion of blues and gospel music.