Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Wright moved to Cleveland, Ohio with his family as a child. He began his broadcasting career in 1948 at the age of 17, as a news reporter and later a disc jockey at radio station WGAR.
In 1950, Wright moved to Nashville, Tennessee to host a country music show on WLAC radio. He quickly gained popularity, and in 1956 was recruited by KYW radio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was at KYW that he would achieve national prominence.
Wright's show on KYW, which aired from 3 to 7 PM, became a must-listen for rock and roll fans across the country. His unique blend of music, talk, and comedy, as well as his powerful voice and charisma, made him a beloved figure among listeners. Wright was known for his use of the term "rock and roll" to describe the new genre of music that was emerging in the 1950s, and he is credited with helping to popularize the term.
In addition to his radio show, Wright also hosted television shows, such as "The Big Wilson Show" and "Dance Party." He also appeared in films, including "Go, Johnny Go!" (1959), "The Girl Can't Help It" (1956), and "Rock, Rock, Rock" (1956).
Wright left KYW in 1962 to move to New York City, where he continued his career in radio and television. He also founded his own record label, Big Town Records.
In 1969, Wright retired from broadcasting and moved to Los Angeles, California. He died in 1993 from complications of diabetes.
Wright is considered a pioneer of rock and roll, and his contributions to the genre have been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the National Radio Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Cleveland DJ Hall of Fame in 1996.