Early Wright was the first black disc jockey in Mississippi.
10 Facts About Early Wright
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2.
Early Wright was born on a plantation in Jefferson, Mississippi on February 10,1915.
3.
Early Wright was an auto mechanic by trade, he worked as a train engineer.
4.
The station's manager Preston "Buck" Hinman, impressed with Early Wright's charisma, offered him a regular show as WROX's first black announcer in 1947.
5.
Early Wright developed a dual on-air person for his four-hour nightly show.
6.
Early Wright later defended Presley when he faced criticism for stealing his act from black musicians.
7.
Early Wright stated that Presley had "a real feel and respect" for the music.
8.
Early Wright retired from broadcasting in 1997 after his daughter, Barbara, died of cancer.
9.
Early Wright suffered a heart attack in November 1999, he died at the age of 84 in Memphis on December 10,1999.
10.
Early Wright was survived by his wife, Ella, two sisters, seven grandchildren and two brothers.