Wright, Wendell G. (1921-2000) | Center for Black Music Research
Name: Wright, Wendell G. (1921-2000)
Historical Note: Wendell G. Wright, born August 18, 1921, was an East Baltimore native who attended Douglass High School. He had desired to attend the Peabody Conservatory after graduation but was denied admission because he was an African American. He instead took private singing lessons in Baltimore and sang with choirs along the East Coast. He became the first African American to join Baltimore's Handel Choir and performed at the White House at one of President Richard M. Nixon's prayer breakfasts.