Gary Wright, the legendary musician renowned for his classic hits “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive,” passed away on Monday at the age of 80. The sad news was confirmed by his son, Dorian Wright, to Variety. Another son, Justin, revealed to NBC News that the cause of death was Parkinson’s disease combined with Lewy body dementia.
Born in the U.K., Wright was a pivotal member of the band Spooky Tooth and gained immense popularity as a session musician from the late 1960s onwards. He played a significant role in all of George Harrison’s solo albums, including the groundbreaking 1970 debut, “All Things Must Pass.” Wright also collaborated with other music giants such as Ringo Starr, Nilsson, Tim Rose, B.B. King, and many more.
However, it was during the mid-1970s that Wright truly cemented his legacy with hits like “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive.” These tracks, characterized by their mystical, synthesizer-driven sound, became emblematic of the era. Wright’s 1975 album, “The Dream Weaver,” inspired by a trip to India with Harrison, was a massive success. Yet, subsequent albums couldn’t replicate the same level of success, with his last charting single being 1981’s “Really Wanna Know You.”
In the years that followed, Wright delved into instrumental and soundtrack compositions. He made a notable cameo in the 1992 film “Wayne’s World,” performing a re-recorded version of “Dream Weaver.” He continued to produce music, with his last album, “Connected,” released in 2010. Wright remained active on the touring circuit, performing solo, with Spooky Tooth, and as part of Ringo’s All-Starr Band.
Throughout his illustrious career, Wright’s songs have been covered and sampled by a diverse range of artists, from Jay-Z to Chaka Khan, ensuring that his musical legacy will continue to resonate with generations to come.