The death of Gary Wright, the singer renowned for Dream Weaver and Love is Alive, was confirmed by his son Dorian on Monday. His other son Justin informed media publications that Wright had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. The 80-year-old singer died in the presence of his family at his California home.
About Singer Gary Wright
Wright is notorious for his chart-topping tunes Dream Weaver and Love is Alive, which both reached the second spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. As a composer and producer, he collaborated regularly with the iconic Beatles artist, George Harrison.
Wright was born in 1943 in New Jersey and began his career as a child actor on TV and radio ads and Broadway musicals. He was featured in Fanny in 1954 and famously made an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.
After performing in high school bands, Wright determined that music was too unsteady to pursue as a profession and he then studied to be a doctor in both the US and West Germany. While in Europe, he decided to put medicine aside and instead focus on music, and in 1967, he joined the British blues rock band Spooky Tooth as a joint lead vocalist. He began a solo career in 1970.
In 1970, Gary Wright was part of the lineup of musicians who worked on Harrison’s seminal album All Things Must Pass. He and Harrison developed a very close bond over their mutual love of music and Indian spirituality, with Wright referring to him as his spiritual leader.
Wright contributed to all of Harrison’s solo albums from the 1970s, in addition to other Apple Records projects like two Ringo Starr singles and a Ronnie Spector song. Wright was invited to play on John Lennon‘s album Imagine, but couldn’t attend the recording sessions.
From 1972 to 1974, Gary Wright revived Spooky Tooth, but it was his 1975 solo album The Dream Weaver, driven by a venture to India with Harrison, that propelled him into the limelight. This LP is now seen as one of the first rock albums crafted almost completely with synthesizers. Wright was renowned for his live performances with portable keyboards and the keytar.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Wright’s solo career saw a decrease in touring as he wanted to dedicate more time to his family. Nonetheless, his impact stayed strong over the years, with artists such as Jay-Z, Tone-Loc, and Eminem including samples and references from his music in their songs.
Chaka Khan had a big hit with her rendition of Love is Alive in 1984. Judas Priest’s cover of Spooky Tooth’s Better By You, Better Than Me, written by Gary Wright, was the focus of a court case in 1990. This case claimed that the song contained hidden messages that caused two teenagers to commit suicide. Eventually, the court dismissed the case.
In 1992, Wright re-recorded Dream Weaver for a new version that was featured in the movie Wayne’s World. From 2008 – 2011, he served as an All Starr Band musician who was touring with Ringo Starr.
Gary Wright’s Cause of Death
Reports have confirmed that on September 4th, 2023, Gary Wright passed away at the age of 80. It has been revealed that the cause of his demise was complications from an extended medical condition. In order to maintain the privacy of Wright’s family, the exact sickness was withheld from the public.
The untimely passing of Wright was a great shock to his diehard admirers and the music industry alike. As the news spread rapidly, an abundance of admiration and sympathies poured in from around the globe, from fellow artists, companions, and fans. His music and the effect it had on others will never be forgotten.
Oscar and Grammy-nominated singer, Stephen Bishop shared a post remembering Wright’s legacy.
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. Gary's vibrant personality and… pic.twitter.com/r7bwnIhKME
— Stephen Bishop (@BishSongs) September 4, 2023
The official account of singer-songwriter Al Stewart also sent condolences to Wright’s family.
Rest in peace, Gary Wright. Al and Gary were friends for a long time, and it was Gary who introduced Al to his touring band, The Empty Pockets. Al and Jill Stewart would like to send their condolences to Gary's wife, Rose, and his family.
📷: Brian Gilmore pic.twitter.com/5CAYrXosOj
— Al Stewart (@alstewartinfo) September 4, 2023
