Hugh Wright, Boy Howdy Drummer and Co-Founder, Dies

Hugh Wright, a co-founder of and the drummer for '90s country band Boy Howdy, has died. He was 63 years old.

Wright passed away on Sept. 25 at his home in Great Falls, Mont., of natural causes, according to Music Row.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Wright received a music degree, with a concentration in drumming, from the University of Iowa in 1975; in college, he also served as the school marching band's drum major. After graduating, Wright moved to Los Angeles and became a studio drummer, playing with big-name artists such as John Lee Hooker. In 1992, he was named the California Music Association's Drummer of the Year.

In 1990, Wright joined with now-famed Nashville songwriter Jeffrey Steele, then a solo singer-songwriter, and brothers Larry and Cary Park, the sons of bluegrass artist Ray Park, to create Boy Howdy. Curb Records singed the quartet in 1991; they released two albums and an EP while with the label and earned two Top 10 singles: "She'd Give Anything" in 1993 and "They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore" in 1994.

In May of 1992, Wright and his bandmates went to Dallas, Texas, to shoot their debut music video. While trying to help a stranded motorist on a freeway, Wright was run over and suffered broken legs and a brain injury. He spent more than five months in the hospital and, after being released in November of 1992, spent hours each day re-learning his drumming skills and doing speech therapy. Wright officially re-joined Boy Howdy in mid-1993.

When Boy Howdy broke up, Wright moved to Great Falls. He continued to play in regional bands until his death.

A memorial service for Wright is being planned in Montana. The Boot extends our condolences to the artist's loved ones.

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