Music Critic Rickey Wright R.I.P.

Incredibly gifted journalist wrote for scores of top music publications.

By Fred Mills

Sad news in the rock critic community today: veteran journalist Rickey Wright, who suffered a massive stroke recently, has passed away. He was 45. A record collector/archivist, radio deejay and music editor for Amazon.com, Wright was originally from the east coast but in recent years lived in Seattle and had written for numerous high-profile publications including The Village Voice, Seattle Weekly, USA Today and Blender. Plans are to fly his body back to Norfolk, VA, where the funeral will be held.

In a message sent out to friends and family, Wright's aunt (and nurse) Deborah Ebel wrote, "This loss is tragic. Fortunately, Rickey was able to pursue and achieve his dreams. His interest in music was evident from a very early age and has always continued, unabated. His presence in so many lives has been uniquely meaningful and has brought joy to many. I believe sincerely that we should celebrate his life. Rickey would like that."

Journalist/blogger Ned Raggett has a very touching remembrance of Wright HERE. Meanwhile, you can read Wright's own blog, "All The Magic," HERE. And a Facebook memorial page has been set up for Wright HERE, and you can learn more details about Wright as well as the funeral and how to contact the family. As one current posting reads, "I can't believe our Geekus Musicus Maximus is gone. The music world lost a great writer today. And we all lost a good friend. So sad. Rickey, you are truly one-of-a-kind."

Wright, incidentally, was also a contributor to BLURT predecessor Harp magazine from 2003-04 and therefore he was part of our extended family. You can find an archive of his Harp writings here. Our deepest condolences to Wright's own family and friends.