‘Dream Weaver’ Singer Gary Wright Dead at 80 After Health Battle

Gary Wright has died after a protracted battle along with his well being … TMZ has realized.

Justin Wright, Gary’s son, tells us his father handed away Monday morning at his residence in Palos Verdes Estates, CA — which is within the South Bay. We’re instructed he’d been identified with Parkinson’s about 5 or 6 years in the past, in addition to Lewy physique dementia shortly thereafter.

Gary’s Parkinson’s progressed quickly over the previous 12 months, and Justin says his dad ultimately misplaced the flexibility to maneuver round and communicate. Over the previous few days, we’re instructed, nurses who had been working at Gary’s residence instructed the household he was getting into his closing chapter.

His household and family members had been by his aspect at the time of his dying — phrase of which has already began to unfold within the music world, together with to singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop.

Bishop posted 2 photographs of him and Gary, including … “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 exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable. His legacy will live on for many years to come.”

He provides, “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.”

Gary will, maybe, greatest be remembered for 2 huge songs he churned out within the mid-Seventies — “Dream Weaver” and “Love is Alive” — however his catalog goes nicely past simply that.

He ended up producing 12 completely different albums courting again to 1970 … to not point out a ton of compilations and collaborations he did with different musicians. One of the well-known partnerships he was part of for some time was with none aside from former Beatle George Harrison.

Gary served because the keyboardist on George’s album “All Things Must Pass” and is credited with serving to out on different solo songs of George’s too. George returned the favor for one in every of Gary’s albums, having labored on “Footprints.”

Gary has achieved rather a lot for music basically — he is also referred to as one of many first mainstream artists to introduce the synthesizer in pop … which has change into a staple within the biz at present.