Johnny Wright has come to be known as one of the foremost music managers of all-time. Through hard work, creativity and a strong sense of commitment he has developed successful ventures in all areas of entertainment, from music management to film and television production.
Johnny Wright was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts. He began his career in the music industry at the age of 19 when, after a part-time job spinning records at a local roller skating rink, he was hired as a DJ for radio station WCOD in Cape Cod. It was there that he met Maurice Starr, who at that time managed one of the hottest groups on the charts: New Kids on the Block. Recognizing Johnny’s passion for the business, Maurice hired Johnny as New Kids' tour manager. When New Kids opted to take a year off, Johnny went out on tour with the hit dance club act, Snap! and was soon asked by the band to take the step into artist management (which he eagerly did, becoming their manager in 1990).
In 1993, Johnny decided to relocate to Orlando, FL where he formed a relationship with Lou Pearlman and Transcon Entertainment. Two years later Johnny began managing a local vocal group that had recently been signed to Jive Records. Known as the Backstreet Boys, this vocal group blew up in Europe and soon re-crossed the Atlantic to make waves in the U.S. After a lot of hard work and perseverance on everyone’s part, BSB hit the top of the charts, launching an international phenomenon that resonates to this day.
In 1996, Johnny had the opportunity to hear another Orlando-based vocal group who called themselves *NSYNC, a name made up of the last letter of each group members first name. Immediately recognizing the group’s talent and pop potential, Johnny secured them a deal with Jive Records and started world-wide promotion. *NSYNC quickly became a household name, joining their label-mates the Backstreet Boys as one of the most successful groups in history.
One of the first acts to open on an *NSYNC tour was a young girl who was also signed to Wright Entertainment Group and Jive Records and who soon attained her own international recognition. Johnny and his team guided Britney Spears (Jive) through the pinnacle of her career, selling more than 60 million albums worldwide by 2003.
In November of 2002, Justin Timberlake (Jive) released his solo debut, “Justified”. With his latest release “FutureSex/LoveSounds” (Jive, 2006) and tour of a similar name, Johnny and Justin have managed to sustain the momentum of “Justified” and secured Justin’s role as an international superstar. His latest album, “FutureSex/LoveSounds”, has sold over five million copies worldwide and launched a 100 date North American and European tour.
Wright Entertainment Group has partnered with Creative Management Group to form Wright-Crear Management, a company that manages the career of Janet Jackson (Island Def Jam), among others. WCM is also fostering several up-and-coming artists, including Midwest City, and making waves in the world of television as executive producers of Nick Carter’s reality show on the E! Network, “House of Carters”. WCM has also recently made its debut in the world of touring production with the launch of Bandemonium, a touring brand that prides itself on getting the best new talent on one stage and under one ticket.
When P. Diddy decided to put together a girl group on MTV’s “Making the Band 3”, he called on Johnny to help him find the perfect combination of talent and beauty to form “Danity Kane”. After three seasons on MTV as the 1 rated show in its time slot for ages 14-34, “Danity Kane” released their self-titled debut album to a legion of anxious fans. The album launched on the Billboard charts at 1 and quickly sold 1 million albums within three months of its release.
In August of 2006, Johnny and Wright Entertainment Group introduced the Jonas Brothers. Teen brothers Nicholas, Joseph and Kevin Jonas, collectively known as Jonas Brothers (Hollywood Records), released their pop-positive debut album, "Its About Time" (Columbia/Daylight), to anxious fans who voted the brothers onto MTV's TRL. Additionally in 2007, WEG will introduce several up and coming young artists, including Mark & James, Katelyn Tarver, Jon O’Shaughnessy and Sullee. Keep an eye out for these acts as they make their rise to the top of the charts!
Johnny never runs out of ideas. It’s one of the qualities that sets him apart and has sustained his career in an industry that is constantly changing. In 2002, he launched Wright International Records and Entertainment (WIRE), an independent record label focusing on the Tween market. WIRE artists Triple Image and Stevie Brock have enjoyed consistent airplay and performances nationwide.
Always looking for ways to expand his creativity, Johnny has now formed Wright Media Ventures, a company that strives to bring the same talent, enthusiasm and energy that has made Wright Entertainment Group a success in the music industry to film and television production. One of Johnny’s latest projects has been the formation of the new Menudo on the show "Making Menudo", which aired on MTV and MTV Tr3ce in fall of 2007. In May of 2006, Wright Entertainment Group (in a partnership with Gener8Xion Entertainment) made a commitment to producing positive, next generation television programming centered on Christian morals and values with the debut of “Gifted”, a contemporary Christian talent search.
Johnny Wright lives in Orlando, Florida, where he continues to focus on faith and family and to build on an already remarkably successful career.
