James "Big Jim" WrightSunday, July 9th, 2023
2:00-4:00 PM Special Presentation at 3:00 PM Free to the Public What do Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Elton John and Sting have in common? They all have worked with the late James “Big Jim” Wright on their hit albums. On Sunday, July 9th from 2-4:00 pm, the Ethnic Heritage Museum will unveil a new exhibit spotlighting the life and career of Grammy Award winner, James “Big Jim” Wright. Wright was a musician, composer, songwriter, film score and record producer. This exhibit will be on display from July 9 until November 5, 2023. |
James "Big Jim" Wright - 3X Grammy Award winner, musician, composer, songwriter, and producer.
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Big Jim, as he is affectionately known, was born in Rockford, the son of Jenniel Wright and Alan Jackson. He lived most of his life in Rockford and in Roscoe. In 1984, he graduated from Rockford West High School before relocating to Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
In Minnesota, Wright joined the vocal and instrumental ensemble Sounds of Blackness, serving as the band's producer, arranger and composer. Through band member Ann Nesby, he became connected to songwriter-producer Terry Lewis who offered Wright an exclusive publishing contract.
Wright worked with the likes of Patti Labelle, Janet Jackson, Sting, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Yolanda Adams, Justin Bieber and the Isley Brothers. He served as an executive producer and writer for the feature film, Fighting Temptation, starring Beyonce and Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Wright was the recipient of 3 Grammy Awards, 1 NAACP Award, 1 Dove Award and 7 ASCAP Awards. He won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song for Yolanda Adams’ “Be Blessed” and was nominated for Album of The Year for his work on Mariah Carey’s 6x platinum album The Emancipation of Mimi.
On Sunday, July 9th, Wright’s cousin Richard Meeks will host a special presentation at 3:00 pm. Meeks will talk about Big Jim’s life, some of the people he worked with, and some of the experiences he afforded his family during his life.
Meeks, a retired teacher in the Rockford Public Schools, has acted in several plays at New American Theatre, Rockford Civic Theater and Rockford University. He has been a part of the Senior Follies for the past five years. Music and dancing have always been a part of his life.
This special presentation is free to the public but donations are greatly appreciated.
In Minnesota, Wright joined the vocal and instrumental ensemble Sounds of Blackness, serving as the band's producer, arranger and composer. Through band member Ann Nesby, he became connected to songwriter-producer Terry Lewis who offered Wright an exclusive publishing contract.
Wright worked with the likes of Patti Labelle, Janet Jackson, Sting, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Yolanda Adams, Justin Bieber and the Isley Brothers. He served as an executive producer and writer for the feature film, Fighting Temptation, starring Beyonce and Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Wright was the recipient of 3 Grammy Awards, 1 NAACP Award, 1 Dove Award and 7 ASCAP Awards. He won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song for Yolanda Adams’ “Be Blessed” and was nominated for Album of The Year for his work on Mariah Carey’s 6x platinum album The Emancipation of Mimi.
On Sunday, July 9th, Wright’s cousin Richard Meeks will host a special presentation at 3:00 pm. Meeks will talk about Big Jim’s life, some of the people he worked with, and some of the experiences he afforded his family during his life.
Meeks, a retired teacher in the Rockford Public Schools, has acted in several plays at New American Theatre, Rockford Civic Theater and Rockford University. He has been a part of the Senior Follies for the past five years. Music and dancing have always been a part of his life.
This special presentation is free to the public but donations are greatly appreciated.
Big Jim with one of his Grammy Awards.