Gary Wright, the iconic musician known for his chart-topping hits “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive,” passed away on Monday at the age of 80. His son Dorian confirmed the news to Variety.
According to his son Justin, Gary Wright succumbed to Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, as reported by NBC News.
Wright, a founding member of the renowned U.K.-based band Spooky Tooth, established himself as a sought-after session player in the late 1960s. He contributed to all of George Harrison’s solo albums, including the groundbreaking 1970 debut “All Things Must Pass,” as well as Ringo Starr’s early singles and later with Starr’s All-Starr Band. He also collaborated with notable artists such as Nilsson, Tim Rose, and B.B. King. However, his legacy will be defined by his mystical, synthesizer-driven style of hit singles in the mid-1970s, epitomized by songs like “Fly Like an Eagle” by Steve Miller. Wright became an icon of this era, often appearing on music shows, donning satin attire, and showcasing his keytar skills.
In 1975, Wright released his first album for Warner Bros. titled “The Dream Weaver,” featuring a title track inspired by his trip to India with Harrison. Although the single gained momentum slowly, it eventually became a major hit in the spring of the following year, catapulting Wright to stardom. However, it would be nearly two years before he released his subsequent album, “The Light of Smiles.” Despite his continued efforts, he did not achieve the same level of success as before. His last single to chart was “Really Wanna Know You” in 1981.
Chris McKay / MediaPunch / IPx / via AP
In subsequent years, Wright embraced instrumental and soundtrack work. However, he made a surprising appearance in the 1992 film “Wayne’s World,” lending his vocals to a re-recorded version of “Dream Weaver.” Later, he returned to his roots in conventional rock music, releasing a series of albums. His final album, “Connected,” was released in 2010. Wright continued to tour extensively as a solo artist, with Spooky Tooth, and as part of Ringo’s All-Starr Band.
Throughout the years, artists have covered Wright’s songs, with Chaka Khan delivering a powerful rendition of “Love Is Alive” on her acclaimed 1984 album “I Feel for You.” Additionally, his music has been sampled by a diverse range of artists, including Jay-Z and Tone-Loc.
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