Herman Wright’s biography, net worth, fact, career, awards and life story

Herman Wright was a jazz bassist from Detroit, Michigan and later resided in Harlem, New York City until his death.

He began on drums as a teen before ultimately settling on upright bass. He worked with Dorothy Ashby, Terry Gibbs, Yusef Lateef, George Shearing, Doug Watkins and on one occasion substituted Charles Mingus when the latter wanted to play piano. He can also be heard on Allen Ginsberg’s Ginsberg Sings Blake.

He had three sons, Herman Wright Jr. (brass and woodwinds), Paris Wright (drums), and Dewayne Wright (piano).

Discography

As sideman

With Dorothy Ashby

• Hip Harp (Prestige, 1958)
• Dorothy Ashby (Argo, 1961)
• Soft Winds (Jazzland, 1961)

With Chet Baker

• Smokin’ with the Chet Baker Quintet (Prestige, 1965)
• Groovin’ with the Chet Baker Quintet (Prestige, 1965)
• Comin’ On with the Chet Baker Quintet (Prestige, 1965)
• Cool Burnin’ with the Chet Baker Quintet (Prestige, 1965)
• Boppin’ with the Chet Baker Quintet (Prestige, 1965)

With Al Grey

• Snap Your Fingers (Argo, 1962)
• Having a Ball (Argo, 1963)

With Yusef Lateef

• Cry! – Tender (New Jazz, 1959)
• The Three Faces of Yusef Lateef (Riverside, 1960)
• Into Something (New Jazz, 1961)
• The Golden Flute (Impulse!, 1966)

With Billy Mitchell

• This Is Billy Mitchell (Smash, 1962)
• A Little Juicy (Smash, 1963)

With Sonny Stitt

• Pow! (Prestige, 1965 [1967])

With Doug Watkins

• Soulnik (New Jazz, 1960)