Chely Wright

Chely Wright (born Richell Rene Wright[lower-alpha 1]; October 25, 1970) is an American activist, author and country music artist. She initially rose to fame in the 1990s as a commercial country recording artist, having several charting singles, including the number one hit, "Single White Female." She later became known for her role in LGBT activism after publicly coming out in 2010.

Not to be confused with Michelle Wright.
Chely Wright
Chely Wright, 2010s.
Born
Richell Rene Wright

(1970-10-25) October 25, 1970[1]
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • activist
  • author
Years active1993–present
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Lauren Blitzer (m. 2011)
Children2
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • guitar
Labels
Associated actsRodney Crowell
Websitechely.com

Raised in Kansas, Wright developed aspirations to become a country singer and songwriter. Yet, as a young child, she discovered her homosexuality and realized it conflicted with her Christian faith and her hopes of becoming a performer. Determined to become successful, she vowed to hide her sexuality and continued performing. Wright moved to Nashville, Tennessee following high school graduation and was cast in stage productions at the now-defunct Opryland USA amusement park. She eventually signed her first recording contract in 1993 with PolyGram/Mercury Records and released two albums. With limited success, Wright switched record labels and had her first hit with 1997's "Shut Up and Drive." It was followed in 1999 with "Single White Female," and a gold-certified album of the same name.

At her commercial zenith, Wright continued living a closeted life and became increasingly unhappy. She engaged in a long-term relationship with a woman but ultimately separated at the risk of being outed by members of the Nashville community. In 2006, Wright began suffering a emotional collapse and nearly took her own life. She then realized she needed to come out publicly and started working on projects that would help her come to terms with her sexuality. In 2010, Wright released the memoir, Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer, and the album, Lifted Off the Ground. Both projects centered around her coming out process and the acceptance of herself.

Wright became involved in LGBT activism following her 2010 decision. During that time she moved to New York City and released a documentary which chronicled her coming out titled, Wish Me Away. She would later establish a charity "Like Me," which helped provide assistance to LGBT youth. She has since been a spokesperson for programs such as GLSEN and other activism-related programs. Wright would also marry and have two children. Wright also continued her music career, but transitioned more towards Americana and folk. She has since released 2016's I Am the Rain and 2019's Revival.

Early life

Wright was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1970, and was raised in the nearby community of Wellsville, Kansas.[1][4] Wright was the youngest of three children born to Cheri and Stan Wright. Her parents' marriage was unhappy, partly due to her father's drinking. This caused the family to temporarily separate while Wright was a small child. She lived with her mother and two siblings in Ottawa, Kansas before her mother and father reunited.[5] Wright had a strained relationship with her mother throughout her life. "I wouldn't say we were friends or buddies, but I liked my Mom," she wrote in her 2010 memoir.[6]

Wright became interested in her Christian faith and convinced her mother to become baptized when she was six years old.[7] She also discovered her homosexuality after noticing she had a crush on her third grade teacher. However, church teachings taught her that homosexuality was considered sinful behavior. "I heard the words 'whore,' 'criminial,' 'drunk,' 'homosexual,' 'pervert,' 'liar' and 'non-believer' all strung together so many times that I understood that those were the building blocks of sin and evildoing," she wrote in 2010.[8] Every day as a child she prayed for her homosexual thoughts to be taken away.[9] She attempted to find other examples of people in her hometown who were also homosexual, but had no luck.[10] In her childhood, Wright often blamed negative events on her homosexual thoughts. This included when her brother broke a bone and the death of her cousin, David. "It was God's punishment for my being gay," she recalled.[11]

One of Wright's first jobs was as a performer at Opryland USA, a theme park in Nashville, Tennessee.

Wright developed a passion for music at a young age. Both her parents enjoyed country music and encouraged her to also appreciate it. Her father played acoustic guitar, while she often sang along. Her mother kept handwritten lyrics to her favorite songs in a binder. The family often entertained guests on Saturday evenings and would throw "pickin' parties." Wright often sang along with guests as they listened and played along to music.[12] At age four, she began taking piano lessons. In her elementary years, she played trumpet in her school band. As a preteen, she started performing in singing groups.[1] Wright also began performing in a local venues during this period, such as VFW halls, picnics, bars and churches.[13]

At age 14, she started her own country music band called County Line, which included her father as their bass player.[1][14] The summer of her final year in high school, she worked as a performing musician at the Ozark Jubilee, a long-running country music show in Branson, Missouri.[1] In Branson, she rented a small trailer and bought her first car for $600. She also began dating a college-aged man whom she met sitting in the audience of her shows. Yet, Wright also realized she could not form the ideal romantic relationship with him: "But soon I was wresting with my old fears again. Nothing could save me from being gay."[15]

In 1989, she landed a position in a musical production at Opryland USA, a now-defunct theme park in Nashville, Tennessee.[1] Making numerous costume changes in tight quarters led Wright to become good friends with several cast members. She also learned to sing as part of a vocal chorus and learned dance routines.[16] Her contract only lasted one season and she later moved into the basement of a friend's home closer to Nashville. She found employment at a local sporting goods store. It was at the store that she met a woman whom she would have her first brief intimate relationship with. During the summer of 1990, she was re-hired as part of the Opryland cast for a second season and started taking classes at Middle Tennessee State University.[17]

Music career

1993–1996: Beginnings at PolyGram and the rise to success

Wright was signed to a publishing deal as a songwriter, which helped secure a recording contract as a recording artist with PolyGram/Mercury Records in 1993.[1] Wright chose to keep her sexuality hidden from her record label and buying public, a theme which continued throughout her commercial career.[18] She collaborated on her first album with Nashville producer, Harold Shedd. In a mutual agreement, Shedd agreed that Wright's persona would not be centered around being "a [music] video babe," but instead regarded for her artistic work as a country music artist.[19] In 1994, Wright's debut studio album was released through the label titled Woman in the Moon. The album would receive critical acclaim, despite limited success.[1] The project spawned three singles ("He's a Good Ole Boy," "Till I Was Loved by You" and "Sea of Cowboy Hats") that all peaked outside the top 40 of the Billboard country chart.[20] The album helped Wright win Top Female Vocalist at the 1995 Academy of Country Music Awards. Wright recalled in her memoir that she had low expectations of winning and was shocked to receive the accolade. "I had not prepared a speech for that night, but I'd been rehearsing one since I was a little girl," she commented.[21]

In 1996, Wright released her second album titled Right in the Middle of It.[1] The album was centered around quality music instead of simple, traditional country music, according to Wright in 1995. The project was produced by Ed Seay and included more contemporary sounds. At the time of its release, PolyGram/Mercury was hopeful of its success. The album had sold 42,000 copies in its initial release and its first music video had regular airtime on Country Music Television.[22] Yet, the album was also unsuccessful.[1] While also spawning three singles, only two charted. Its highest-peaking single was 1996's "The Love That We Lost," which reached the top 50 of the Billboard country chart.[20] Right in the Middle of It received acclaim from critics. Allmusic's Charlotte Dillon rated the project at four and a half stars, praising Wright's vocals and the album's mix of material.[23] With her lack of success, Wright was given permission to leave her contract with PolyGram/Mercury and she began exploring new options for commercial success.[14]

1997–2003: Breakout into the mainstream

Free from her previous record label, Wright made several changes to her career. She began working with a new manager (Clarence Spalding) and a publicist (Wes Vause), who helped secure her a contract with MCA Records Nashville. Wright then contacted producer Tony Brown, who had previously made successful records with Reba McEntire and Wynonna. Brown agreed to work with her and together they recorded her third album.[24] In 1997, Let Me In, was released on MCA.[1] According to Brown, the album's material was backed by a simplified arrangement to help amplify Wright's vocal performance.[25] It received a four star rating from Thom Owens at Allmusic who highlighted its "clean acoustic arrangements." Owens also called it her "most accomplished and arguably best album to date."[26] Meanwhile Brian Wahlert of Country Standard Time gave it a less favorable response, finding some of the material to be fillers rather than quality music.[27] Let Me In was her first to chart on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, peaking at number 25 and spent 44 weeks there.[28][29] It was also her first to enter the Billboard 200 where it charted for seven weeks.[30] The album spawned Wright's first major hit, "Shut Up and Drive."[1] The single peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 21 on the RPM Country chart in Canada.[31][32] The album's next two singles would reach the Billboard country top 40.[20]

In 1999, Wright recorded her next song release, titled "Single White Female." After cutting it with producers Tony Brown, Buddy Cannon and Norro Wilson, the group believed the song to be a hit.[33] The song would eventually reach number one on the Billboard country chart and the RPM country chart.[20][32] Wright celebrated the number one on the road with fellow band members, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney (both of whom would later form Rascal Flatts).[34] One month later, MCA celebrated by throwing Wright a "Number One Party" where she invited numerous guests inside and outside the music industry.[35] The song was followed-up by another major hit, "It Was," which reached number 11 on the American country chart.[20] The same year, Wright's fourth studio album of the same name was released.[1] It peaked at number 15 on the Billboard country albums chart and number 16 on Canada's country albums chart.[36] The album would eventually sell 500,000 copies and certify gold in sales from the Recording Industry Association of America.[37] Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised the studio effort, calling it "a welcome addition to an already impressive catalog."[38] Bill Friskics-Warren of The Washington Post noted that despite its country pop production, the record "hangs together as a sustained--and fairly compelling--song cycle about one woman's search for intimacy."[39]

In the fall of 2000, Wright began choosing songs for her upcoming fifth studio album. She songs composed by herself, as well as compositions from Tim Nichols and Brad Paisley. Together, they would also write music for the album and Wright served as the opening act on Paisley's 2000 tour.[1][40] The pair would also record a duet that would later be nominated for an accolade by the Country Music Association.[41] The two would also become romantically involved during this time, all while Wright remained in a closeted relationship with a woman.[42] In 2001, Never Love You Enough was released on MCA. Following on the heels of her previous release, the album was a chart success,[1] climbing to number four on the Top Country Albums chart and number 62 on the Billboard 200.[43][44] Yet its two singles only reached the top 30 of the Billboard chart. Its highest-charting hit was "Jezebel," which reached number 23.[20] The album also received mixed reception from critics. Michael Gallucci called it a "conservative follow-up,"[45] while Country Standard Time called it, "a pleasant pop album, but hardly the sort of truly memorable work that Wright is so obviously capable of."[46]

In 2001, Wright embarked on "The Coca-Cola Hometown Hero Tour," a 30-date set of concerts and presented at the CMT Music Awards. She also made her acting debut the same year in the Disney film, Max Keeble's Big Move. Wright was cast as the main character's homeroom teacher.[47] In 2002, Wright won the "Fashion Plate Award" from the CMT Flameworthy Awards[48] She would also be rated among People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" during this time as well.[49] In 2002, she recorded a song for the soundtrack of The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea and was asked to be the "guest of honor" at Disney World.[50] In 2003, Wright left MCA Records.[1]

2004–present: Independent albums and musical transition

After leaving MCA, Wright moved away from major labels. During this time, she also co-wrote Clay Walker's top ten hit, "I Can't Sleep".[51] In 2004, she signed with the independent label, Vivaton, and also changed management. Her first Vivaton release was the 2004 single, "Back of the Bottom Drawer."[52] The song peaked at number 40 on the Billboard country chart.[53] Despite an intended album release, Wright exited Vivaton one month later, citing creative differences with label CEO, Jeff Huskins.[54] Instead, she independently-released an extended play titled Everything.[1] In late 2004, Wright released the self-penned single, "The Bumper of My SUV."[55] She was inspired to write the song following a road-rage incident in which another driver was angry that Wright had a Marine Corps bumper sticker on her car.[56] Following its release to radio, members of Wright's fan club were accused of calling radio stations, falsely portraying military people to help it gain airplay.[57] The conflict caused the single to be re-released in 2005 and it eventually peaked at number 35 on the Hot Country Songs chart.[20] In 2005, she released her sixth album, The Metropolitan Hotel. Released on the independent Dualtone label, the project incorporated acoustic material with contemporary country.[58] It reached number 18 on the Billboard country albums chart and number 96 on the Billboard 200.[59][60] Critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine concluded that it was "her best and most complete album to date."[58] No Depression found the album to have a "tough" and "assertive edge."[61]

Wright in concert, 2014.

Wright then went into a career hiatus due to personal struggles related to her homosexuality.[1][62] After nearly committing suicide, she began composing songs.[63] She brought the songs to singer-songwriter and producer Rodney Crowell.[64] The pair exchanged multiple emails and Crowell encouraged Wright to record the material.[65] Over the next several years, the pair would make her next studio release titled, Lifted Off the Ground.[1] The album's sound contained a simpler arrangement that was comparable to folk music.[65][66] The album reached number 32 on the Top Country Albums chart and 200th position on the Billboard 200.[67][68] The record and her corresponding memoir were released both on May 4, 2010.[63] Lifted Off the Ground received four stars from Thom Jurek of Allmusic who cited Crowell's production and Wright's songwriting as the reasons for its success.[65] Meanwhile PopMatters's Steve Horowitz Yet the The Los Angeles Times believed Wright could have challenged the country music establishment more rather than "tread lighty" in her songwriting material.[69]

With getting married and having children, Wright took a five-year break from the recording process.[70] She also collaborated during this time with Rodney Crowell on his 2014 album, Tarpaper Sky.[71] Yet, she continued songwriting and brought new material to Rodney Crowell, who got her in contact with producer Joe Henry. Henry agreed to producer her and Wright formed a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the record. In 2016, she released I Am the Rain. The album featured collaborations with Crowell, Emmylou Harris and The Milk Carton Kids. It was considered a departure from her previous records, with roots centered in the Americana genre.[72][73][74] I Am the Rain was her highest-charting album in ten years, reaching number 13 on the Billboard country albums list.[75] It also reached number 181 on the Billboard 200.[76] I Am the Rain received a positive response from Slate magazine, who compared the project to that of Carole King's Tapestry.[77] Allmusic's Marcey Donelson positively commented that the album had an "intimate tone."[70]

In 2018, Wright released her second extended play titled Santa Will Find You. The album was a collection of Christmas songs, two of which had previously appeared on Mindy Smith's project, My Holiday. The album's release was followed by a ten-day holiday concert tour that began in Decatur, Georgia.[78] In March 2019, she released her third extended play, Revival.[1] The five-song EP was produced by Jeremy Lister, who also performed on the record's lead single, "Say the Word."[79] In August 2019, Wright returned to the stage of The Grand Ole Opry after a decade-long absence. Her last invitation to play the venue had been before publicly coming out in 2010.[80]

Activist career

2000–2010: Early activism

Wright first began her work with activism related to music education. She was inspired to help public schools following the Columbine High School massacre. In 2000, she established the Reading, Writing and Rhythm non-profit organization. The program helps provide public schools with musical instruments and brings attention to the significance of music education.[81] Wright held a yearly concert for the organization in Nashville that has includes numerous performers in its lineup. Musicians at previous events have included Jann Arden, Rodney Crowell, Taylor Swift and Tanya Tucker[82][83] Its yearly fundraising concert has also helped raise significant amounts of money for the organization. The program's 2007 concert event raised $185,000.[83] Since its inception, Reading, Writing and Rhythm has raised nearly one million dollars.[84] "I'm so proud of this charity and the difference we've been able to make in so many young people's lives," she said in 2010.[82] In 2002, Wright received the National Association for Music Education's "FAME Award" in recognition of her accomplishments.[85]

Wright has performed with and supported US military troops overseas.

Wright has also been involved in working with military members and veterans. Following the September 11 attacks, she embarked on a USO tour performing for American troops in Iraq.[35] She also met with servicemen in Germany and Kuwait.[86] During the same period, she visited veterans and military servicemen recovering at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.[87] In the early 2000s, also joined wounded and recovering troops at a private military service event hosted by former vice president, Dick Cheney.[87] In 2003, she was named "Woman of the Year" by the American Legion Auxiliary[88]

She has also spoke out against the former American military policy, Don't ask, don't tell. In her 2010 memoir, Wright explained that law "made no sense" to her and that she believed policymakers at the time were wrong for accepting it. In addition, she stated she believes it was put into practice due to misjudged notion that LGBT people are more likely to be sexually promiscuous. In her book, Wright further explained her reasoning: "Homosexuality does not make a person promiscuous, perverted, unprofessional, or without judgment."[89] She later spoke out about it again in 2010 with Entertainment Weekly. Wright commented that she was "angry" that former president George W. Bush and former vice president Cheney had not spoken out on the law.[90]

2010–present: LGBT activism

Wright became involved in LGBT activism following her decision to publicly come out in 2010.[91] She received notable attention in the LGBT community with the release of her 2010 memoir, Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer. The book was published by Random House, Inc.[92] The book described Wright's rise to fame and struggle with being a closeted person in the country music industry. It also chronicle Wright's realization of her identity as a lesbian.[93] In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wright explained that she chose to write the book for herself but also to encourage other LGBT indviduals to accept themselves as they are: "...if I aid someone or comfort someone or help facilitate understanding for someone in the process, that’s a great byproduct of what I’m doing," she explained.[90] The book received positive reviews from critics following its release. Jack Feerick of Kirkus Reviews praised Wright for being "unpolished and raw."[94] The New York Journal of Books called the memoir "gut-wrenching" in their review of the book.[95] Like Me later received recognition from the LGBT literature association, the Lambda Awards, in 2011.[96]

Wright and Cyndi Lauper at an event for the Gay and Lesbian Center, 2000s.

Shortly after coming out, Wright performed at the 2010 Capitol Pride parade in Washington D.C.. She also made several national public television appearances to discuss her coming out story and LGBT rights on shows, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show.[93][97] Wright also spoke out on CNN in 2010 to discuss the increased suicide rate by LGBT youth in the United States. Also included on program were Nate Berkus, Kathy Griffin and Wanda Sykes.[98] In 2010, Wright was named the National Spokesperson for the organization GLSEN.[99] Wright was named one of Out magazine's annual 100 People of the Year.[100] Metro Source New York magazine named her as one of the 20 people We Love in 2010. In 2011, she appeared in the PBS documentary, Out in America, that discussed the LGBT experience in the United States.[101] After U.S President Barack Obama announced his support for LGBT rights, Wright endorsed his re-election campaign in 2012.[102]

In 2011, Wright released a documentary chronicling her coming-out story titled Wish Me Away. The film was officially released to American markets in spring 2012.[103] The film was directed by Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf. Both directors filmed Wish Me Away over a three-year span.[104] The documentary was reviewed positively following its release. The Los Angeles Times called it "a sympathetic, emotional portrait of a life at a pivotal transition."[105] The New York Times concluded, "By the end you may not be a fan of her music, but it’s hard not to root for her rebirth."[104] The Hollywood Reporter commented that Wish Me Away was released at "the right moment" because marriage equality was a hot-button topic at the time.[106] Wish Me Away was later nominated by the GLAAD Media Awards in the category of "Outstanding Documentary."[107] It also won an accolade from the Los Angeles Film Festival[103] and received a nomination from the Emmy Awards.[108] Since its release, Wright stated that she still receives letters from LGBT individuals who said it has helped them acknowledge their own sexuality.[109]

In 2012, Wright established an LGBT organization titled, "LIKEME." The nonprofit organization is designed to help educate and provide assistance to individuals in the LGBT community. This includes youth, adults and family members of those struggling with their sexual identity.[110] In May 2012, Wright and the organization founded a "Lighthouse" center in Kansas City, Missouri. The location was chosen primarily due to the limited understanding by local citizens acknowledgement of the LGBTQ community. The community center includes resources, staff, counselors to help those in the LGBT community find support.[111] Since its launch, the center has received funds from various events, including a 2016 live performance fundraiser.[112]

In 2014, Wright spoke on the stage of the GLAAD Media Awards to discuss anti-bullying legislation with fellow activist Marcel Neergaard. She also introduced country artist Kacey Musgraves, who performed her song, "Follow Your Arrow."[113] In recent years, Wright has been outspoken on transgender bathroom laws. She discussed her views against the laws on Twitter and on other social media platforms. In 2016, Wright appeared on CNN encouraging the country music industry to be supportive of laws that protect transgendered Americans in the state of Tennessee.[114]

Personal life
There’s the gay community that now knows my name and it’s a long leap from the new demographic of people who will come to my Facebook page and hit the 'Like' button to them buying my record and coming to live shows. It’s a big stretch from those new fans to make up for the fans I lost. It didn’t help my career. My record sales went directly in half. If it appears from the outside in that it’s helped my career, it could be because I haven’t talked about the negative. You won’t hear me bitching and moaning on my Facebook about the hate mail I’ve gotten. My life has been threatened. I get nasty letters every day, 'I’m through with you Chely Wright, you’re going to hell'. There’s a big difference between press and advocacy and sometimes people forget that people who sing or make movies, this isn’t just a hobby for us. This is how I pay my bills. In coming out I had a feeling that it would diminish my wage earning, and that feeling was correct. And, I am fine with that".

—Wright commenting on career after coming out[115]

A Christian,[116] Wright harbored the belief her sexual orientation was immoral and that her secret would kill her career hopes. From early childhood, she resolved to never confide her orientation to anyone or to pursue romantic relationships with women.[117] Despite her resolution against having sex with women, Wright disclosed in her memoir that, by her early thirties, she had had sexual relationships with two women. She had her first same-sex experience at age 19 — "it was the first time I'd ever had a girl's body pressed against mine"[118]—and the affair lasted the better part of a year. From 1993 to about 2004, Wright maintained a committed relationship with a woman she described as "the love of my life", a woman she met shortly after winning her first recording contract. The era of their relationship overlaps Wright's rise to chart-topping stardom. They maintained their relationship even though her partner subsequently married a cis man, and even while both women briefly had relationships with cis men. During their final five years they lived together, the relationship suffered numerous breakups and reconciliations due to the strain of being closeted,[119] the fact that "neither one of us thought it was acceptable to be in a gay relationship",[120] and Wright's prolonged absences while performing on tour nationally and internationally.

In the last months of 2000, Wright began a relationship with country singer Brad Paisley.[121][122][123] Even though Wright and her female lover had moved in together earlier that year, and Wright admitted she felt no sexual attraction to Paisley,[124][125] she recounted that "he's wickedly smart, which is one of the reasons why I made the decision to spend time with him. I loved Brad. I never had the capacity to fall in love with him, but I figured if I’m gonna live a less than satisfied life, this is the guy I could live my life with. If I’m gonna be with a boy, this is the boy."[126] She held him in high esteem and great affection in every way other than sexual attraction.[124][127] In her autobiography she expressed remorse for how she treated him,[128] and told Oprah Winfrey that "I have a lot of regret for how that [relationship] began and had a middle and ended. I had no business being in a relationship with him".[129]

Wright eventually abandoned the belief that being lesbian is immoral and deviant:

I hear the word "tolerance"—that some people are trying to teach people to be tolerant of gays. I'm not satisfied with that word. I am gay, and I am not seeking to be "tolerated". One tolerates a toothache, rush-hour traffic, an annoying neighbor with a cluttered yard. I am not a negative to be tolerated.[130]

Between 2004 and 2006, Wright came out to members of her immediate family and to a few of her close friends. It was not until 2007 that she decided to come out publicly, but spent the next three years writing her autobiography. She stated that she wanted to come out to free herself from the burdens of living a lie, to lend support to gay children and teenagers, and to counter the belief that gays are wicked and defective. On May 3, 2010, People magazine reported her coming out.[131][132] Wright became one of the first[122][123][133][134][135] members of the country music community to come out as gay; country artist k.d. lang came out in 1992 (though she later abandoned the country music genre), and Kristen Hall, formerly of Sugarland, was openly gay while working with that band.[136][137]

On April 6, 2011, Wright announced her engagement to LGBT rights advocate Lauren Blitzer. The couple married on August 20, 2011, in a private ceremony on a country estate in Connecticut officiated by both a rabbi and a reverend.[138][139] On January 23, 2013, the couple announced that Chely was expecting identical twins.[140] Wright gave birth to George Samuel and Everett Joseph on May 18, 2013.

Miscellaneous recognition

"Kansan of the Year" for her career achievements, her charity work and her support of the U.S. armed forces.

She has since sold over 1,500,000 copies and 10,000,000 digital impressions to date in the United States.[141]

Discography
Main article: Chely Wright discography
Studio albums

Filmography
Film and television appearances by Chely Wright
Title Year Role Notes Ref.
Max Keeble's Big Move 2001 Mrs. Styles [47]
Wish Me Away 2012 Herself Documentary [104]

Awards and nominations
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Chely Wright

Wright has received several awards and nominations for her work. This includes one win the Academy of Country Music Awards,[142] three nominations from the Country Music Association Awards,[143] and two nominations from GLAAD.[144][145]

Notes
  1. Media sources have listed the spelling of Wright's first name as: "Richell",[2] "Richelle"[3] and sometimes "Rochelle".

References

Footnotes
  1. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Chely Wright: Biography & History". Allmusic. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  2. "Wellsville commencement to honor 48 seniors Sunday". Lawrence Journal-World. 131 (139). Lawrence, Kansas: World Company. May 19, 1989. p. 7D. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  3. Chambers, John (September 27, 2002). "Wellsville: Proud past and growing future". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Morris Communications. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  4. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 4-5.
  5. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 5-7.
  6. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 101.
  7. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 8-10.
  8. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 15.
  9. "Chely Wright: From Nashville Star To Outcast Activist". NPR. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  10. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 33.
  11. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 44-47.
  12. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 20.
  13. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 48-49.
  14. Freydkin, Donna (August 17, 1999). "Chely shows her Wright stuff". CNN. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  15. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 62.
  16. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 64.
  17. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 79-87.
  18. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 152-53.
  19. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 88.
  20. Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
  21. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 98.
  22. Evans Price, Deborah (November 25, 1995). "Chely Wright's 'In the Middle of It'". Billboard. Vol. 107 no. 47. p. 59-61. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  23. Dillon, Charlotte. "Right in the Middle of It: Chely Wright: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  24. Hurst, Jack. "CHELY WRIGHT'S SAVVY PAVED WAY FOR SUCCESS". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  25. Flippo, Chet (August 2, 1997). "MCA Nashville Does Wright Thing". Billboard. 109 (31): 35. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  26. Owens, Thom. "Let Me In: Chely Wright: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  27. Wahlert, Brian. "Chely Wright -- Let Me In". Country Standard Time. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  28. "Let Me In chart history (Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  29. Whitburn, Joel (1997). Joel Whitburn's Top Country Albums: 1967-1997. Record Research Inc. ISBN 0898201241.
  30. "Let Me In chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  31. ""Shut Up and Drive" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  32. "Search results for "Chely Wright" under "Country Singles"". RPM. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
  33. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 118.
  34. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 131-32.
  35. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 134.
  36. "Search results for "Chely Wright" under "Country Albums/CD's"". RPM. Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
  37. Young, Lisa (June 11, 2003). "Chely Wright Celebrates Gold Status". Country Music Television. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  38. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Single White Female: Chely Wright: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  39. Friskics-Warren, Bill (June 27, 1999). "Answering Country's Call". Billboard. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  40. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 154-61.
  41. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 159.
  42. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 128-29.
  43. "Never Love You Enough chart history (Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  44. "Never Love You Enough chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  45. Gallucci, Michael. "Never Love You Enough: Chely Wright: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  46. Messinger, Eli. "Chely Wright -- Never Love You Enough". Country Standard Time. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  47. Orr, Jay (June 11, 2001). "Chely Wright Can't Love Her Fans Enough". Country Music Television. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  48. Stark, Phyllis (June 22, 2002). "Keith, Chesney Score at CMT Video Awards". Billboard. Vol. 114 no. 25. p. 8. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  49. "Chely Wright Producing Hits with The Metropolitan Hotel". Voice of America. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  50. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 172-76.
  51. Shelburne, Craig (October 25, 2005). "BMI Honors "Live Like You Were Dying" and Charlie Daniels". CMT. Archived from the original on April 4, 2009. Retrieved June 20, 2008.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  52. "Chely Wright Returns to Radio". Country Music Television. February 24, 2004. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  53. ""Back of the Bottom Drawer" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  54. "Chely Wright Exits Vivaton Records". Country Music Television. June 24, 2004. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  55. "Wright Prepares Release of New Album". Country Music Television. December 8, 2004. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  56. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 214.
  57. Norris, Michele (December 20, 2004). "Country Single's Radio Requests Deemed Deceptive". NPR. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  58. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Metropolitan Hotel: Chely Wright: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  59. "The Metropolitan Hotel chart history (Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  60. "The Metropolitan Hotel chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  61. "Chely Wright – The Metropolitan Hotel". No Depression. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  62. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 253-56.
  63. Ocamb, Karen. "Country Star Chely Wright Comes Out, Talks About Suicide, God, Melissa, kd and the Indigo Girls". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  64. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 262-63.
  65. Wright, Chely. "Lifted Off the Ground: Chely Wright: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  66. Horowitz, Steve. "Chely Wright: Lifted Off the Ground". PopMatters. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  67. "Lifted Off the Ground chart history (Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  68. "Lifted Off the Ground chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  69. Wappler, Margaret. "Album review: Chely Wright's Lifted Off the Ground". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  70. Donelson, Marcey. "I Am the Rain: Chely Wright: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic.
  71. "Tarpaper Sky: Rodney Crowell". Allmusic. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  72. Betts, Stephen L. (July 6, 2016). "Chely Wright, 'I Am the Rain' Album: Release Date, Special Guests Revealed". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  73. Dauphin, Chuck. "Chely Wright Reflects on Coming Out As a Country Singer & the Ups and Downs of 'Gang Mentality'". Billboard. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  74. Allers, Hannahlee (July 7, 2016). "Chely Wright Sets Release Date for Crowdfunded 'I Am the Rain' Album". The Boot. Taste of Country Network. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  75. "I Am the Rain chart history (Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  76. "I Am the Rain chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  77. Tucker, Karen Iris (September 6, 2016). "Chely Wright, Who Lost Fans When She Came Out in 2010, Has a New Album and No Regrets". Slate. The Slate Group. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  78. Graff, Gary. "Chely Wright Unwraps 'Santa Will Find You' From Holiday EP: Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  79. Betts, Stephen L. "Chely Wright Previews New 'Revival' EP With Joyous 'Say the Word' Songwriter's latest single is a luminescent slice of Seventies AM pop". Rolling Stone.
  80. Betts, Stephen L. "Why Chely Wright Had to Wait 10 Years to Play the Opry After Coming Out". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  81. "Reading, Writing and Rhythm Foundation". Reading, Writing and Rhythm.org. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  82. Thompson, Gayle. "Chely Wright Reading, Writing + Rhythm Boasts All-Star Cast". The Boot. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  83. Self, Whitney. "Chely Wright and Friends Raise $185,000 for Music Education". Country Music Television. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  84. Thompson, Gayle. "Chely Wright's Reading, Writing + Rhythm Hits All the Right Notes". The Boot. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  85. "FAME Award and Partnership of Professionals Award Honorees". October 11, 2008. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008.
  86. Guas, Sgt. Anthony. "Chely Wright reaches out to service members deployed to Al Asad". Headquarters Marine Corps. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  87. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 198.
  88. "Woman of the Year - American Legion Auxiliary". Alaforveterans.org. Retrieved 2019-09-11.
  89. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 211.
  90. Pastorek, Whitney. "Chely Wright on her decision to come out: 'I won't be a whisper. I'm too proud of who I am.'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  91. "The National Center for Lesbian Rights Celebrates 34 Years of LGBTQ Legal Advocacy". National Center for Lesbian Rights. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  92. Wright, Chely 2010, p. 6.
  93. Rachel, T. Cole. "Chely Wright: Country Singer Comes Out and Comes Clean". The Advocate. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  94. Feerick, Jack. "Chely Wright's Coming Out in 'Like Me'". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  95. Mark, Amanda. "A Book Review by Amanda Mark: Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer". NY Journal of Books. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  96. "23rd Lambda Literary Awards". Lambda Literary Awards. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  97. "Chely Wright, Country Music's First Out Lesbian Star: The Autostraddle Interview". Autostraddle. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  98. "CNN LARRY KING LIVE Celebrities Speak Out on Gay Bullying, Aired October 4, 2010". CNN. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  99. "GLSEN to honor supporters at Respect Awards — New York". Glsen.org. Retrieved 2019-09-11.
  100. "Exclusive: Musicians Who Made the 'Out' 100". Rolling Stone. 2010-11-01.
  101. Kane, Matt. "Documentary Film "Out in America" Premiering This Month on PBS". GLAAD. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  102. "Chely Wright:Obama's Gay Marriage Nod Saved Lives". Ontopmag.com. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  103. Smith, Nigel. "Chely Wright Doc "Wish Me Away" Finds U.S. Home". Indie Wire. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  104. Catsoulis, Jeannette. "A Country Singer Comes Out, Very Carefully". New York Times. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  105. "Review: Wish Me Away". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  106. Farber, Stephen. "Wish Me Away: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  107. Townsend, Megan. "Chely Wright Announces Pregnancy, 'Wish Me Away' Nominated for GLAAD Media Award". GLAAD. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  108. Whitaker, Sterling. "Chely Wright Documentary 'Wish Me Away' Receives Emmy Nomination". The Boot. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  109. Tucker, Karen Iris. "Chely Wright, Who Lost Fans When She Came Out in 2010, Has a New Album and No Regrets". Slate. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  110. "About Us: The LIKEME Organization". LIKEME.org. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  111. "Chely Wright's LIKEME organization to open LGBT center in Kansas City". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  112. Whitaker, Sterling. "Chely Wright Raising Funds, Awareness for LGBT Center: 'I Like to Dream Big Read More: Chely Wright Raising Funds, Awareness for LGBT Center". Taste of Country. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  113. Townsend, Megan. "Out country star Chely Wright and 12-year-old LGBT advocate Marcel Neergaard get standing ovation at #GLAADAwards". GLAAD. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  114. Daley, Elizabeth. "Lesbian Country Singer Chely Wright Begs Genre to 'Condemn Bigoted Laws'". The Advocate. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  115. "Chely Wright Now Faces Death Threats + 50% Drop In Sales. Was Coming Out Worth It?". Queerty. January 10, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  116. Confessions of a Gay Christian Country Singer, Huffington Post, 6/24/2011
  117. Wright (2010) chapter, Learning to Hide
  118. Wright (2010) p.63
  119. Wright (2010) pp. 155, 280
  120. Wright (2010) p. 77
  121. Wright, 2010 chapter, "Hard to Be a Husband, Hard to Be a Wife"
  122. "Chely Wright to announce she's a lesbian". Boston Herald. May 3, 2010. Archived from the original on May 6, 2010. Retrieved May 3, 2010.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  123. Roberts, Soraya (May 2, 2010). "Country singer Chely Wright set to announce she is lesbian in next People Magazine: report". New York: NY Daily News. Archived from the original on May 4, 2010. Retrieved May 2, 2010.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  124. Strecker, Erin. "Interview with Chely Wright in Entertainment Weekly's Music Mix, May 5, 2010". Music-mix.ew.com. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  125. Wright (2010) pp. 63, 74
  126. Wright (2010) p. 116; chapter, "Hard to be a husband, hard to be a wife"
  127. Interview with Chely Wright on the television show, Oprah
  128. Wright, 2010 pp. 116, 153.
  129. The Oprah Winfrey Show, May 19, 2010
  130. Wright, 2010 p. 276.
  131. "Country Music Artist Chely Wright Comes Out". People.com. People Magazine. May 3, 2010. Retrieved May 3, 2010.
  132. "Country singer Chely Wright says she's gay". USA Today. USA Today. May 4, 2010. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
  133. "John Rich Responds to Chely Wright Memoir". CBS. May 7, 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
  134. "Time out: Kansan Chely Wright becomes first openly gay country star". Lawrence Journal World. 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
  135. "Chely Wright Acknowledges Her Homosexuality". Country Music Television. 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
  136. The9513.com. The Malec Minute: Sugarland Lawsuit Sheds Light on Hall’s Departure August 8, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  137. Kort, Michele (June 21, 2005). "Sweet success: with her country band, Sugarland, poised to become a household word, out artist Kristen Hall is pickin' on top of the world". The Advocate.
  138. "Ministry of Gossip". Los Angeles Times.
  139. Geller, Wendy (August 20, 2011). "Chely Wright Marries Partner Lauren Blitzer in Connecticut". New.music.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  140. "Country Singer Chely Wright Pregnant With Identical Twins". ABC.com.
  141. Walsh, Chris M. (May 4, 2010). "Chely Wright Comes Out As Country Music's First Openly Gay Singer". Billboard. Retrieved May 5, 2010.
  142. "Search winners: Chely Wright". Academy of Country Music Awards. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  143. "CMA Awards Past Winners & Nominees". Country Music Association. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  144. "GLAAD Media Awards Nominees". GLAAD Media Awards. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  145. Townsend, Megan. "Chely Wright Announces Pregnancy, 'Wish Me Away' Nominated for GLAAD Media Award". GLAAD. Retrieved 5 February 2021.

Books

Bibliography
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.