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Hugh Wright Obituary
Great Falls —Musician Hugh Wright, 63, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Sept. 25, 2015.
Hugh was born to Edward and Mildred Wright on December 18, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, where he attended public schools.
After high school, Hugh studied percussion at the University of Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1975. While at the University of Iowa, he served as drum major for the university marching band.
Hugh moved to Los Angeles, Calif., after college to pursue a career as a professional musician. He enjoyed great success there as an in-demand studio and performing drummer working with a number of national artists, including blues legend John Lee Hooker. Hugh later became a founding member of the award-winning country group Boy Howdy, which recorded multiple Top 10 hits and toured nationally. Hugh also earned several individual awards in California for his drumming acumen, including the California Music Association's "Drummer of the Year" in 1992.
Hugh moved to Great Falls, Mont., in 1995 and continued his music career performing with groups such as the Texas Allies, Steve Keller Band, Hound Dog's Rockin' Blues, and Nervis Norvis and the Nasty Nerds.
Hugh was a kind, gentle soul who never had a disparaging word for anyone, and he enjoyed his many good friends at the Lobby Bar. He also was an avid sports fan and followed University of Iowa Hawkeyes teams, Tiger Woods, and the New York Yankees. Hugh was greatly loved and appreciated by his friends and musical associates.
Memorial services are pending; for memorials, contact Rod's Music at 406-771-1314.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hugh Wright
Norman J. Ellis
February 27, 2024
Hi Hugh,I didn't know you but really enjoyed your drumming absolutely TOP CLASS,saw you in DALLAS.
RIP from England
Rick Harris
January 27, 2022
Rick Harris
January 27, 2022
Rick Harris
January 27, 2022
Rick Harris
January 27, 2022
Truly the best drummer ever. Too many funny and great memories to share here. His powerful talent made our good band into a great band. After all is said about his talent.... It was his heart and crazy personality that made knowing him so rich....
The best musical moments in my career were spent standing in front of him. I don´t think I ever told him how grateful and proud I was to be his friend and band mate.
One of a kind..... some would say `thank goodness for that!´
If you were in the same room with him.... you were going to have to deal with him sooner or later.
I can´t believe he´s not with us anymore.
Hugh, thank you. Godspeed my friend.
Rick Harris, SSB
Kim Upchurch
October 9, 2015
What a great guy. Sad about him passing. Those years of Boy Howdy holds fond memories. Going all over to see them play. He always welcomed us. Rest in sweet peace.
October 7, 2015
We'll keep you name and your spirit alive H.T. Know you're good man, We'll be following close behind; Knowing you, I'm sure you'll have our rehearsal room ready and waiting.....All the love in the world to you...My Howdy brother...Dave Lamar James, Atlanta, GA.
October 7, 2015
Hugh Taylor Wright: Artist, Friend, Room mate on the road, Friend at home, Great singer, Certain death as a drummer, Over the top sense of humor,Stylist, mentor, student of the game, Certainly not one in a million: Let's try one in 10 million....Hero, Instigator,Bad boy, Great man, Soulful, Sensitive, Hard as nails,Forgiving, Unmovable, Inspirational,
Jeffrey Steele
October 7, 2015
The night I watched little hughey slice and dice two 6'4" Cowboys to pieces at the bandstand with his masterful wit leaving them in tears in Anaheim kicked off my first day with this amazing singer who who doubled as one of the greatest drummers on this earth. We lived brother we all lived as we played ,full tilt ! The tragedy and joy that is this life ! Tell Alex I love him '! And our buddy billy block
And I know your good and you know your missed!
Thank you for the pure joy you gave me every night on a stage every where in the world for all those years . For making me always wanna be better and get it right !
Love ya brother howdy
Jeffrey Steele
Mark & Priscilla Smith
October 6, 2015
So very sad to hear this. We all lost a Great Drummer/Percussionist/Vocalist, and Friend. Love you much Hugh. Rest Well Indeed Brother Hugh. :^(
Nelly n Pete Darcy
October 5, 2015
In the short time that we knew Hugh, we could always look forward to and expect a warm welcoming from the smiling man at the bar. He will be missed
John McClung
October 5, 2015
I have a lot of fond memories of gigs around Southern California with Hugh as the always excellent drummer. I also remember his acerbic wit and great intelligence, always a fun guy to hang with. RIP, Hugh.
Maria Sentry
October 4, 2015
Hugh was always so kind and encouraging to me during the Palomino days. So insanely talented and a true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Billie Burnor from "The Mustangs"
Billie Burnor
October 4, 2015
So sorry to hear this! I enjoyed Hugh and his music so much from the good ole Palomino days when Hugh played in Boy Howdy! Well Hugh you've done it, you've crossed the line and made it into heaven! RIP Hugh!
Dudley Brooks
October 4, 2015
Hugh .... I will miss you my friend ... I will remember the music we made back in the Oberheim days .... R.I.P.
P. M. Howard
October 4, 2015
Just Hugh Wright was not just a great drummer - he was a great musician who saw the song in its totality and not just his part. He was an interesting set of paradoxes and contradictions, but the thing I remember most was his generosity of spirit. Whether it was helping a very green bass player (who was very late) load in his gear or making inspired suggestions in the studio for the harmonies or putting himself in harms way to help s complete stranger with no regard for his own safety, Hugh's generosity of spirit always came through. God bless you, Hugh as you have blessed the lives of so many.
Paul Marshall
October 4, 2015
My deepest condolences to family & friends. Hugh was a dear friend and a great bandmate. I'll always remember good times and good music.
Katie Blanchard
October 3, 2015
It's the jouney, not the destination ...
Jerry & Cindy Tate
October 3, 2015
Your light will always shine bright
Reese
October 3, 2015
I will miss you Hugh. I will never forget the conversations and great times shared with this wonderful person. Rest in peace my friend.
Jerry Tate
October 3, 2015
Oh gosh --I just saw this--many prayers for Hugh and all of his family--we go back a long long way--last time I saw him was at a Boy Howdy show after we had moved from Nashville to the Atlanta area and got to go back to the bus and say hello--it was after the accident and he was still a little stiff and shaken but he survived that---I was putting together "The Firedogs" at the time and he expressed interest in playing drums for us--such a wonderful friend to me while we had the time--it came in small moments but some I will never forget--this makes me want to continue even more now--I think he would approve--
Jann Browne
October 3, 2015
Hugh, you were my first drummer when I moved to California in 1978. What a long history we shared as friends and musical partners in crime. The long nights of sitting up talking about anything and everything.
I'll never forget one statement as we sat talking in my living room one evening. You said, "It hasn't always been easy to believe in God, but when I realized he created a perfect little sleek flying machine with much precision and I really observed it, I knew He had to be real. I asked, "what might that be?" Your answer.....a hummingbird. Fly high and Rest in His peace, Hugh. I will never ever forget you and hold close the memories. ❤
watson garman
October 3, 2015
take care old friend, thank you for the friendship and thank you for the music.
Mary Escobar
October 3, 2015
Fly high Hugh, I too have fond memories from the WK. Know that you will be remembered.
Michele Boivin
October 3, 2015
Boy Howdy was one of my favorite bands to work with at the Crazy Horse and I loved learning about music from Hugh.
Richard Barron
October 3, 2015
A lovely drummer who ran out of time. Miss you Hugh.
John Tabarrini
October 3, 2015
Gracious and kind to me as a fellow musician.....he will be missed!!!.....John, Silver Star
J.D. Harrison
October 3, 2015
I was schocked to hear the news. I will always remember the great music, great stories and many nights of conversation after we closed the club. Heaven just welcomed a great drummer and a damn good man. J.D.
We'll meet again in Heaven.
Dawna Sodders
October 3, 2015
Hugh was not only a great drummer and friend, he was also very courageous on a Texas highway, during a dust storm. Trying to be helpful, it landed him in the hospital. I'd like to thank him for being a friend and filling the air with music. God bless you, Hugh, your friends, family and band mates. May you rest in peace with our Lord.
Patrick Goffiney
October 3, 2015
One of the nicest guys I ever met.
barbara davis
October 3, 2015
Hugh Wright was a great drummer. And when we were all at the Palomino, he always talked to me and we had great conversations about sessions, songs, and what Don Henley was always up to. Always made me feel like one of the gang.
Larry Park
October 2, 2015
Hugh, you were my dear friend. We experienced things not too many musicians get to experience. Playing the Grand Ole Opry with you, Jeff, and Cary, made it all complete. All those many hours in the bars, studio, on the road with our first hit record, grueling hours, and hours of no sleep. I'd do it all over again just to play one more song on stage with you again! I love you my friend! I'll see you again in the Big Band! Rest in piece brother!
Marlin Grundy
October 2, 2015
Hugh was a great guy & very good friend he was a very talented drummer & was an honor to share the stage with him for many years.
Jessie LeVasseur
October 2, 2015
I didn't know him as well in my adult life as I did as a child but my childhood memories are filled with memories of him, both good and tragic! I'll never forget witnessing him come out of a coma and mouthing the words to a Boy Howdy song because he couldn't speak yet. I was just a young empath then but I will never ever forget the emotion felt in that hospital room that day! He was always good to me and my siblings and I am truly saddened by this news. Love, light and many blessings to his family and friends.
Megan
October 2, 2015
Hugh was a great guy. Incredible some would say. He will be missed.
Jody
October 2, 2015
A very bright star faded away when Hugh passed. He was such a great person. He always wanted to play movie and music trivia when I'd see him at the Lobby. He will truly be missed.
Krystine Scolley
October 2, 2015
I am honored to have known Hugh and to have the right to call him my friend. Hugh's stories of drumming and touring, kind nature, and his many, many notable sayings will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, my friend.
jayde
October 2, 2015
He was a really nice guy. For the short time i knew him he would always make me laugh.
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