Ruby Wright | |
|---|---|
 Wright circa 1966 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Ruby Wells |
| Born | October 27, 1939 |
| Origin | Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | September 27, 2009 (aged 69) |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Labels | RCA, Cadence, Kapp, Epic |
Ruby Wright (October 27, 1939 – September 27, 2009)[1] was an American country music singer-songwriter. Wright was the daughter of country singers Kitty Wells and Johnnie Wright.[1] She sang with her parents as a young girl and at age 13, was signed by RCA Records as Ruby Wells because there was also a Ruby Wright who was a pop singer.[2]
In the mid-1950s, she became part of an all-girl trio, 'Nita, Rita and Ruby.[3] The Nita of the trio was Anita Carter of the well-known Carter Family.[1][4] Working with Chet Atkins, the young singers enjoyed some success on record.[5] Strictly a recording group, they did not make personal appearances or tours; Rita had a problem with stage fright which eventually meant the break-up of the trio.[2] After the trio disbanded, Ruby began singing with her sister, Carol Sue, as The Wright Sisters. They were signed to a recording contract by Cadence Records also under the direction of Chet Atkins.[2][6] Ruby also made some recordings as Ruby Wells with her father and uncle as Johnnie and Jack and Ruby.[7] Her most successful single was "Dern Ya", an answer to Roger Miller's "Dang Me".[1][2] She signed with Epic Records in 1966.[8] Wright recorded for Plantation Records and Scorpion Records, as well as other small labels during the 1970s.[2]
Wright died of heart-related illness on September 27, 2009, at the age of 69. She was survived by her parents, Johnnie Wright and Kitty Wells; a son and two daughters; a sister, brother, Bobby Wright; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.[1][9] Her father, Johnnie, died two years later to the day.[10]
| Year | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Dern Ya | Kapp |
| Year | Single | Chart Positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Country | US | CAN Country | |||
| 1964 | "Dern Ya" | 13 | 103 | 4 | Dern Ya |
| "Billy Broke My Heart at Walgreens" | — | — | — | ||
| 1965 | "Up the Path and In My Door" | — | — | — | |
| "Adios, Aloha" | — | — | — | ||
| 1966 | "A New Place to Hang Your Hat" | 72 | — | — | singles only |
| 1967 | "(I Can Find) A Better Deal Than That" | 69 | — | — | |
