Johnnie Wright Dies at 97

Country singer Johnnie Wright died Tuesday morning in his Madison, Tenn. home. The 97-year-old ‘Hello Vietnam’ singer was married to Country Music Hall of Famer Kitty Wells, and was one half of the ’50s duo Johnnie and Jack. He also sang with the Tennessee Mountain Boys.
Johnnie and Jack (with Jack Anglin) were one of the more influential harmonizing duets in the mid-20th century. They scored numerous hits on the Billboard charts between 1951 and 1961, the biggest being ‘(Oh Baby Mine) I Get So Lonely’ which spent two weeks at No. 1. ‘Poison Love’ and ‘Stop the World’ were two of their other well known hits.
‘Hello Vietnam’ was Wright’s best known solo hit. The 1965 chart-topper was featured in the opening minutes of the movie ‘Full Metal Jacket.’ He also worked alongside his wife, and is credited for coming up with her stage name. The couple were married for 74 years until Wright passed away. They last performed together in 2000.
In addition to Wells, Wright is survived by a daughter and a son. He is preceded in death by another daughter named Ruby. The funeral arrangements are pending.

Hear ‘Hello Vietnam’ in ‘Full Metal Jacket’