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Meet The Staff - Wendy Wright

Here's another example of great passion for public radio and performance leading to a long term love affair with WEMU.  Wendy Wright hosts "From Memphis To Motown" every Saturday at 1:00 p.m.  But that's not where she started.  Wendy followed the path from listener to volunteer to host that many of our staff have been on.  Your passion for and support of WEMU helps us keep weekends "live and local" with great hosts like Wendy.

What jobs have you had at WEMU - I am the host and creator of From Memphis to Motown. Before that I hosted 89.1 Jazz, Sunday mornings from 5-8 a.m. for seven years. I believe I did that early weekend shift longer than anyone else. It wreaked havoc on my social life and could be why I’m still single.

Where did you grow up - Born and bred in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

  

What college(s) did you attend -  I attended Cottey College in Nevada, Mo before transferring back to the University of Michigan. I also took some graduate level courses at Eastern Michigan University.
Major: I double majored in theater and history with some graduate work in arts management.

What are your favorite WEMU shows - That’s a really hard question. All of the hosts love what they do and their passion comes through so clearly. However, like many people I live every weekday for Blues Time with Michael Jewett. It’s better than any caffeine fix.

What was your WEMU "path" -  I was a listener first. Then I started volunteering during the pledge drives and got to know all the great people. When the early Sunday morning slot became available, I contacted Linda Yohn and told her I was interested.

What's your day job - I’m currently looking for full time employment. Are you hiring?

Where do you love to eat - Pretty much anywhere in New Orleans.

What song is stuck in your head - Right now I’m putting together the soundtrack for the play I’m directing which is called Barefoot in the Park and takes place in the 1960’s. The song I can’t stop humming is “This Diamond Ring” by Gary Lewis and the Playboys.

What album should we go out and listen to right now - I think everyone should check out Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?”. It’s impact when it was released in 1971 was huge and it continues to resonate today.

Where do you love to shop - Any and every antique mall I can find.

Wendy snapped this shot while on vacation in Sedona, AZ

  

Where are your top vacation destinations -  I love New Orleans and New York City, but for the last several years, I’ve been traveling to Phoenix where my cousins live. From there we’ve traveled to California, Las Vegas, Santa Fe and throughout Arizona. I particularly love Sedona and Jerome, AZ.

Who's your social media "go-to" guy - I enjoy George Takei.

  

What's the last film you saw -  The Oscars are my Super Bowl and I try to see as many of the nominated films and performances as possible. The last movie I saw in the theater was Room and the last rental was Steve Jobs.

What's your favorite WEMU memory so far - Out of the blue, I was asked to contribute to NPR’s All Songs Considered Heavy Rotation series in November of 2012. Each month five hosts from across the country are asked to pick a new song that they “can’t stop playing”. I chose Mary Bridget Davies “Wanna Feel Something” from the recording of the same name.  She went on to portray Janis Joplin on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony Award for the role and she’s on heck of a blues singer.

Why do you love public radio - I always learn something. Whether it’s a local or national news story that impacts my life or a new song or old favorite that impacts my heart, I always learn something when I listen to public radio.
 

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