'Dream Weaver' and 'Love Is Alive' singer Gary Wright dies, aged 80

5 September 2023, 11:26

Gary Wright was a masterful singer, songwriter and keyboard player who also collaborated with George Harrison.

Singer, songwriter and keyboard playing icon Gary Wright has died at the of 80.

Wright was best known for his songs 'Dream Weaver' and 'Love Is Alive', as well as his work on George Harrison's All Things Must Pass album.

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Wright’s son Dorian confirmed the news of his father's passing to Variety.

A cause of death was not announced, but it was revealed several years ago that Wright had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.

Gary is survived by his wife Rose and his two sons Justin and Dorian, who came from a previous marriage.

Gary Wright - DreamWeaver Official Video

Born in Cresskill, New Jersey, Wright spent several years in the UK in the late '60s and early '70s, performing as a solo musician and also as part of Spooky Tooth.

His third studio album The Dream Weaver was his commercial breakthrough in 1975, reaching the US top ten and going double platinum there.

It featured the songs 'Dream Weaver' and 'Love Is Alive', both of which reached number 2 in the US singles chart.

Prior to his solo success, Wright had collaborated with George Harrison on his solo career high All Things Must Pass in 1970, handling keyboard duties with Bobby Whitlock.

Wright sparked up a friendship and working relationship with Harrison, who swiftly returned the favour by appearing on his 1971 Footprint album.

He briefly formed the band Wonderwheel, which featured future Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones.

Gary Wright - Love is Alive

Gary also worked with the likes of BB King, Harry Nilsson, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ronnie Spector.

In the 21st century, Wright performed either solo, with a reformed Spooky Tooth, or as part of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band.

Gary released a memoir Dream Weaver: Music, Meditation, and My Friendship with George Harrison in 2014.