Billy Wright

Billy Wright

Billy Wright may refer to several notable individuals across various fields, including sports, politics, and crime. This article focuses on three prominent figures sharing the name Billy Wright.

Billy Wright (footballer)

Billy Wright (1924–1994) was an English footballer and manager. Born in Ironbridge, Shropshire, Wright had an illustrious career primarily with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he spent his entire club career. Wright was known for his leadership qualities, captaining both his club and the England national football team. He was the first footballer in the world to earn 100 international caps, a testament to his skill, durability, and importance to the England team. Wright led England in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (1950, 1954, and 1958). After retiring, he had a stint as a manager, including leading the Arsenal team from 1962 to 1966.

Billy Wright (loyalist)

Billy Wright (1960–1997), also known as "King Rat," was a prominent figure in the Northern Ireland loyalist paramilitary movement. Wright was the founder and leader of the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF), a breakaway faction from the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) due to ideological differences and personal rivalries. Wright's activities were centered around the Mid-Ulster area, and he was implicated in numerous acts of violence during the Troubles, a period of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. His assassination in the Maze Prison in 1997 by members of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) highlighted the intense intra-communal and inter-communal rivalries that characterized the Troubles.

Billy Wright (musician)

Billy Wright (1932–1991) was an American R&B and gospel singer, known for his influential role in the early development of rock and roll music. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Wright's flamboyant performance style and powerful vocals earned him the nickname "The Prince of the Blues." He was a significant influence on Little Richard, among others. Wright's best-known hits include "Stacked Deck" and "Blues for My Baby," which helped shape the sound of R&B in the post-war era. Despite his early success, Wright's popularity waned in the late 1950s as musical tastes evolved, but his contributions to the genre have been recognized by music historians.

See Also

• Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
• The Troubles (Northern Ireland)
• R&B and gospel music

Notes

This article provides an overview of individuals named Billy Wright without delving into exhaustive details about their lives or careers. Each section is intended as a brief introduction, with internal links to related articles for readers seeking more comprehensive information.