Johnnie Wright
May 13, 1914 – September 27, 2011
Johnnie Wright was an influential country music singer and songwriter who, along with Jack Anglin, made up the popular singing duo, Johnnie & Jack. Anglin tragically died in a car accident on his way to Patsy Cline’s funeral. Wright and Anglin began performing together back in 1936, and during the next years, Wright married the future Queen of Country Music, Kitty Wells. They would stay married for the next 73+ years. In 1952, Johnnie & Jack had their first hit, “Poison Love,” and joined the Grand Ole Opry. After Anglin died in 1963, Wright forged on with his Tennessee Mountain Boys who had a handful of hits over the next couple of years. They included “Hello Vietnam” which went all the way to #1 . In 1968, he and Wells began recording and touring together, which they continue to do through the early ’80s. In 1983, the couple opened the Family Country Junction Museum and Recording Studio near their home, and operated it until the museum’s closing in 2000. Their grandson continued to operate the recording studio. Wright and Wells went on the record and perform for special occasions until their farewell concert in 2000. According to The Tennessean, Johnnie Wright passed away in his home on September 27, 2011. He was 97. Kitty Wells died nine months later.
Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.