American vocalist and songwriter.
Born 1926 in Ohio. Died 1981.
Wright was educated at Oberlin College and the Juillard School of Music. He studied religious music but made his Broadway debut singing with Katherine Dunham. Later he sang with the Metropolitan Opera Chorus and the Robert Shaw Chorale. Has also appeared in "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Finian's Rainbow" and on Broadway he was featured in "My Darlin' Aida" and "Four Saints in Three Acts". The latter was sent to Paris to represent the USA at the World Congress of Music around 1960. As Robbins in "Porgy and Bess" he toured the USA, South America, Russia, 31 countries and five continents.
In 1957 Ned joined Harry Belafonte and appeared with him at the Palace, on the Steve Allen Show, "The Bell Telephone Hour" and "Tonight with Belafonte". In the off-Broadway show "Simply Heavenly" he created the role of Watermelon Joe and also played it on Television's "Play of the Week". He also appeared in the film "Odds Against Tomorrow".