Gary Wright dies at 80 : singer of the mid-1970s hit ‘Dream Weaver,’

Gary Wright dies at 80 : Gary Wright dies at 80 : singer of the mid-1970s hit ‘Dream Weaver,’

Gary Wright, the iconic musician renowned for his chart-topping hits like “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive,” has passed away at the age of 80. His son, Dorian, confirmed this sad news to Variety, although the cause of his demise remains undisclosed.

Wright’s musical journey was nothing short of remarkable. As a founding member of the U.K.-based band Spooky Tooth, he contributed significantly to the music scene, becoming a sought-after session player starting from the late 1960s. His musical prowess graced George Harrison’s solo albums, including the groundbreaking 1970 debut “All Things Must Pass,” and Ringo Starr’s early singles. Later in his career, he collaborated with Starr’s All-Starr Band, as well as notable artists like Nilsson, Tim Rose, B.B. King, and many others.

However, Gary Wright will forever be etched in music history for his mesmerizing hits of the mid-1970s, namely “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive.” These songs embodied a vaguely mystical, synthesizer-driven style that was characteristic of the era, with other examples like Steve Miller’s “Fly Like an Eagle.” His performances on various music shows, often clad in satin attire and wielding a keytar, became iconic.

In 1975, his debut album for Warner Bros., titled “The Dream Weaver,” featuring a title track inspired by his journey to India with George Harrison, took the music world by storm. Although the single started slowly, by the following spring, it had become a major hit, catapulting Wright to stardom. However, it would be nearly two years before he released “The Light of Smiles,” and subsequent efforts failed to replicate his earlier success. In 1981, he released “Really Wanna Know You,” which peaked at number one.

In the subsequent years, Gary Wright delved into instrumental and soundtrack work. Notably, he made a surprise appearance in the 1992 film “Wayne’s World,” where he performed a re-recorded version of “Dream Weaver.” However, he eventually returned to more conventional rock music, releasing a series of albums, with his final one, “Connected,” hitting the shelves in 2010. He remained an active performer, frequently touring as a solo artist, with Spooky Tooth, and as part of Ringo’s All-Starr Band.

Throughout his career, Wright’s songs continued to influence the music world, with notable artists like Chaka Khan recording compelling renditions of his tracks, such as “Love Is Alive,” for her 1984 smash album “I Feel for You.” His music has also been sampled by a diverse range of artists, from Jay-Z to Tone-Loc, cementing his enduring impact on the industry.

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