Gary Wright has died at age 80. He’d been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s Disease several years ago.
Wright was a member of the band Spooky Tooth until he went solo in the early 70s. He had two massive hits, “Dream Weaver,” and “Love is Alive,” in 1975, which are still heard all the time on oldies radio.
Gary Wright also had a Beatles connection. A gifted keyboardist, he played on George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” album and on all of George’s solo albums He also worked, through George, on Ringo Starr’s first two hits, “Back Off Boogaloo” and “It Don’t Come Easy.” He toured with Ringo and His All Starr Band many times.
Wright, who lived in Rancho Palos Verdes, California and was American — despite all his UK music connections. He was a big supporter of Barack Obama, and let Obama’s campaign use “Dream Weaver” as a campaign song.
A real talent, Wright is already getting Twitter tributes from lots of stars. One from singer songwriter Stephen Bishop is below. Condolences to his family but his music lives on!
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
