Ruby Wright (country singer)

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]

Ruby Wright
Wright circa 1966
Background information
Also known as	Ruby Wells
Born	(1939-10-27)October 27, 1939
Origin	Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Died	September 27, 2009(2009-09-27) (aged 69)
Genres	Country
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Labels	RCA, Cadence, Kapp, Epic

Wright with Roy Acuff, her parents, Kitty Wells and Johnnie Wright, and her uncle, Jack Anglin, as they played the RKO Palace in New York in 1955

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]