Johnny Wright

Biography

John Albert Wright (September 7, 1934 – December 15, 2017) was an American jazz pianist celebrated for his contributions to the Chicago jazz scene, particularly during the 1960s. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Wright moved to Chicago at age two, where his mother, an evangelistic preacher, founded a church. Immersed in gospel music from a young age, Wright began playing piano at seven and later played organ at the Christian Hope M.B. Baptist Church. His formative musical experiences were rooted in the vibrant church community and local high school jazz circles.

Wright's career took a decisive turn after he enlisted in the military in 1952, where he was stationed in Germany with the 7th Army Special Services. There, he honed his jazz piano skills and interacted with prominent musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Dexter Gordon. Returning to Chicago in 1955, Wright quickly established himself in local clubs and, in 1960, began recording for Prestige Records, releasing five albums between 1960 and 1962, including the notable 'South Side Soul.' Throughout his career, Wright remained active in Chicago's jazz venues and later served as a librarian at the Cook County Jail. He recorded his final album, 'Wright Changes & Choices,' in 1994 and was honored with several awards, including induction into the Wendell Phillips High School Hall of Fame and the Walter Dyett Lifetime Achievement Award.

Wright's musical style was deeply influenced by gospel traditions, blending soulful melodies with jazz improvisation. His nickname, 'South Side Soul,' reflects his ability to infuse jazz with the emotional depth of gospel. Known for his collaborations with leading jazz musicians and his mentorship within the Chicago jazz community, Wright left a lasting legacy as both a performer and advocate for jazz education and appreciation.

Fun Facts

• John Wright was nicknamed 'South Side Soul' after his debut album, reflecting his signature blend of gospel and jazz.
• He worked as a librarian at the Cook County Jail for over a decade, balancing his music career with public service.
• Wright met jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Dexter Gordon while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany.
• He was executive director of the Hyde Park Jazz Society and received the Walter Dyett Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gospel musicians of his mother's church - Early musical foundation and inspiration in gospel music (Church hymns and services) [1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Dexter Gordon - Performed together in Chicago clubs after Wright's military service; Gordon played as a guest saxophonist at Wright's gigs (Live performances, notably at Fifth Jack club) [Mid-1950s]
• Gene Ammons - Performed together in Chicago clubs; Ammons played as a guest saxophonist at Wright's gigs (Live performances, notably at Fifth Jack club) [Mid-1950s]
• Arbee Stidham - Wright played piano as a sideman on Stidham's album (Tired of Wandering (Prestige, 1961)) [1961]
• John Wright Trio - Leader of his own trio for multiple Prestige recordings (South Side Soul (1960), Nice 'n' Tasty (1960), Makin' Out (1961), Mr. Soul (1962), The Last Amen (1961/1965)) [1960-1962]

Artists Influenced

• Chicago jazz musicians - Mentored and inspired younger musicians through performances, leadership in Hyde Park Jazz Society, and advocacy for jazz education (South Side Soul, Hyde Park Jazz Society programs) [1960s-2010s]

Source: Wikipedia

Top Tracks

1. Hello Vietnam - Single Version (The Vietnam War - A Film By Ken Burns & Lynn Novick (The Soundtrack))
2. Look At That Chick (Hey Hey: The Sounds Of Ike Turner & The Kings Of Rhythm)
3. Gotta Have You For Myself (Hey Hey: The Sounds Of Ike Turner & The Kings Of Rhythm)

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Hello Vietnam - Single Version (The Vietnam War - A Film By Ken Burns & Lynn Novick (The Soundtrack))
2. Look At That Chick (Hey Hey: The Sounds Of Ike Turner & The Kings Of Rhythm)
3. Gotta Have You For Myself (Hey Hey: The Sounds Of Ike Turner & The Kings Of Rhythm)
4. Hello Vietnam (The Vietnam War - A Film By Ken Burns & Lynn Novick (The Soundtrack))
5. Hello Vietnam (The Vietnam War - A Film By Ken Burns & Lynn Novick (The Soundtrack))
6. Look At That Chick (Hey Hey: The Sounds Of Ike Turner & The Kings Of Rhythm)
7. Gotta Have You For Myself (Hey Hey: The Sounds Of Ike Turner & The Kings Of Rhythm)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia