'Dream Weaver' Vocalist Gary Wright Has Died at 80

’70s rock star Gary Wright has died at the age of 80. TMZ reported the information after the singer’s son Justin Wright confirmed his father has handed away Monday morning (Sept. 4) at his Palos Verdes, California property. Wright is finest identified for his ’70s hit “Dream Weaver.”

In addition to Justin Wright’s affirmation, fellow musician Stephen (*80*) shared the information of Wright’s loss of life on social media, commenting, “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 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.”

Per TMZ, Wright had been recognized with Parkinson’s and Lewy physique dementia in recent times. Justin Wright revealed that the singer’s household and family members have been by his facet at the time of his loss of life.

Wright was born April 26, 1943 in Cresskill, New Jersey. He truly began within the leisure business as a baby star, showing at the age of seven on Captain Video and His Video Rangers and later taping each TV and radio commercials earlier than touchdown a job within the 1954 Broadway manufacturing of Fanny.

READ MORE: Stone Temple Pilots Perform With Singer Justin Wright, Son of ’70s Star Gary Wright

He studied piano and organ in highschool, however determined that music was not a secure sufficient profession and opted to check to change into a physician whereas attending school. But he by no means misplaced the love for music, persevering with to carry out in bands whereas getting his training. While in Europe, he determined to forego being physician and pursue music, along with his group at the time, The New York Times, getting a help slot opening for Traffic.

From there, Chris Blackwell launched the singer to a bunch referred to as Art, who finally modified their title to Spooky Tooth upon Wright’s addition to the band. While a member of the band, he appeared on three albums because the group’s singer and keyboardist. They launched a canopy of The Band’s “The Weight” and the singles “Sunshine Help Me” and “Feelin’ Bad.” But by 1970, the group was contemplating a change in route and Wright opted for a solo profession.

He recorded 12 albums as a solo artist, with 1975’s Dream Weaver album being his greatest success, climbing to No. 7 on the Billboard 200 album chart and occurring to a double-platinum certification within the U.S. In addition to the Dream Weaver title observe that hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, Wright additionally scored a ’70s hit with “Love Is Alive,” which additionally hit No. 2. And, in 1981, “Really Wanna Know You” climbed to No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Wright additionally took a quick and notable detour from his solo profession within the ’70s to work with George Harrison on Harrison’s 1970 album All Things Must Pass. Wright performed keyboards on the file after which went on to play on all of Harrison’s ’70s albums in addition to on hits for Ringo Starr and Ronnie Spector as effectively.

As the years handed, Wright began to get extra concerned with movie work, having contributed the rating to 1982’s Endangered Species and dealing on music for the movies Fire and Ice and Cobra. The 2000s noticed Wright tour with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band and he additionally recorded a brand new age album in 2008.

Revisit a few of Gary Wright’s musical works and see a couple of extra tributes from his friends beneath. Our condolences to the Wright household.