ArtistInfo

Ian Wright

*1963 GB, Woolwich
Dance
A.k.a. Ian Edward Wright

Footballer - TV personality - singer Born on 3 November 1963, Woolwich, London, U.K. Wright's musical interests stretch back to his childhood in Brockley, South London. It was a time when Jamaican music had transformed from rock-steady to reggae and Bob Marley was making his first moves to international stardom. Wright's parents were reggae fans and, indeed, he still cites such artists as Gregory Isaacs, Horace Andy, Bob Marley and Big Youth as particular favourites. Music, however, was simply the soundtrack to growing up; unlike his schoolfriend Maxi Priest, Wright had no musical aspirations. By the time he reached his teens Ian Wright had set his sights on becoming a footballer. Music remained a component part of his life, however. He remembers, for instance, buying his first record, the Thank God It's Friday soundtrack, in 1978. Over the years his taste has embraced a diversity of dance and soul grooves, from James Brown, early Michael Jackson and Prince to rare groove, Teddy Predergrass, The Winans and Stevie Wonder. His footballing career, of course, is well chronicled. Coming late into the Football League with Crystal Palace, Wright rapidly established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Britain. His burgeoning reputation was properly cemented when Wright transferred to Arsenal, after which he also became a regular member of the England team.