Johnnie Wright, Kitty Wells’ Husband, Dies at 97
Country singer Johnnie Wright, who had a No. 1 hit in 1965 with 'Hello Vietnam,' has died. The Grand Ole Opry member passed away at his home today (Sept. 27) in Madison, Tenn. He was 97.
Married to fellow Opry star Kitty Wells for 74 years, Johnnie began performing in 1937, along with his wife and her sister, Louise, as Johnnie Wright & the Harmony Girls. Later, he rose to fame as one-half of the duo Johnnie & Jack, along with good friend, and brother-in-law, Jack Anglin. The pair, whose hits included 1951 'Poison Love,' continued performing together for 20 years, until Jack passed away in a car accident 1963, on his way to attend a memorial service for Patsy Cline.
Johnnie continued to sing with the Tennessee Mountain Boys for several years, as well as record an album with his wife in 1968, 'Kitty Wells & Johnnie Wright Sing Heartwarming Gospel Songs.' He scored a Top 25 hit with his song, 'Walkin' Talkin', Cryin', Barely Beatin' Heart' in 1964, and a No. 1 hit, 'Hello Vietnam' in 1965.
The couple reunited on stage in 1992, along with their son Bobby, performing for eight years until their farewell concert on December 31, 2000 at the Nashville Nightlife Theater.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his daughter, Ruby. He is survived by his wife, daughter Carol Sue and son Bobby. Funeral services are still pending.
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