Talented singer-songwriter Gary Wright has sadly passed away, aged 80.
Wright – who was best known for his iconic hit single ‘Dream Weaver’ – reportedly died on Monday this week (September 4) at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California.
His son, Justin, confirmed the tragic news to Variety, where he revealed that, over the past few years, Wright had been battling Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Despite being born and raised in Cresskill, a small town in New Jersey, Wright eventually moved to Europe for college and started a solo career, before co-founding Spooky Tooth, a UK rock band.
As well as being a member of a band and solo performer, Wright also played keyboards on George Harrison‘s triple album, and his first solo album after leaving The Beatles in 1969.
Wright had a great friendship with Harrison, and it was this friendship that played a large part in Wright creating his breakthrough album, The Dream Weaver, in 1975. Even though this was Wright’s third studio album, it proved to be his most successful, with two songs ‘Dream Weaver’ and ‘Love Is Alive’ becoming big hits.
In 1981, Wright had his final charting single, ‘Really Wanna Know You’ – but he hopped back into the spotlight after re-recording ‘Dream Weaver’ for the Wayne’s World soundtrack in 1992.
Connected – Wright’s 12th and final album – was released in 2010, and his Greatest Hits compilation came out in 2017.
Grammy-nominated musician Stephen Bishop, a good friend of Wright’s, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to write a heartfelt tribute, as well as post some images of the pair together.
“It is with great sadness that I received the news of my dear friend Gary Wright’s passing. The attached photos hold precious memories from the very first and last time we shared the stage together, alongside our mutual musical pal John Ford Coley,” Bishop’s tribute began.
“Gary’s vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable. His legacy will live on for many years to come. I will always cherish the warmth and kindness shown to me by Gary and his wife Rose, and I will forever hold dear the stories he shared with me about days gone by. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time,” he added.
Wright sadly leaves behind his two children, Justin and Dorian, and his beloved wife of 38 years, Rose.
We are sending our thoughts and prayers to Gary Wright’s family, friends, collaborators, and fans at this tragic time.
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