Rockstar and composer Gary Wright, renowned for his songs like ‘Dream Weaver’ and ‘Love is Alive’, has sadly passed away at the age of 80.
Confirming the news of his demise, his son Justin revealed that the singer and songwriter had been battling Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia for a long time before peacefully passing away at his home on Monday morning.
In response to the news of his death, fellow singer and songwriter Stephen Bishop paid tribute to Wright, offering his condolences and sharing old pictures of himself and Wright.
“It is with great sadness that I received the news of my dear friend Gary Wright’s passing,” Bishop posted on X (formerly Twitter). “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.”
Bishop continued, “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.”
Although best known for his iconic songs from the 1970s, Gary Wright’s musical career extended far beyond that. He also played keyboards on George Harrison’s critically acclaimed album ‘All Things Must Pass’, regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Wright’s own discography includes over 12 albums, various compilations, and collaborations with other notable musicians such as Ringo Starr, BB King, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
During the 1980s, he also ventured into producing film scores and re-recorded his song ‘Dream Weaver’ for the popular 1992 comedy film ‘Wayne’s World’. Furthermore, he played a significant role in popularizing synthesizers in rock music at a time when the instrument was not widely favored.