Remember ‘Dream Weaver’? Iconic singer Gary Wright passes away at 80
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If you love the 1970s hit song 'Dream Weaver', we have some sad news to share. It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of the iconic song’s original singer, Gary Wright.
His death was confirmed to media outlets by his sons Dorian and Justin, who said that Wright had passed away aged 80 on Monday.
At the time of his death, he had been suffering from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, which severely impacted his ability to speak and move in the past year.
The singer-songwriter was born in New Jersey in 1943.
However, it's difficult to categorise his life under one particular professional label. He had a career as a child actor in TV and radio commercials and also performed on Broadway in the musical Fanny in 1954. He was given the chance to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show as well.
But, during his teenage years, Gary chose to pursue music and joined a few high school bands.
Despite his passion, however, he was apprehensive about making a career out of music and ultimately decided to train as a doctor in the US and West Germany.
After a stint studying and practising medicine in Europe, Gary decided to become joint lead vocalist of the British blues rock band Spooky Tooth in 1967.
Three years later, he launched his solo career, which established him as one of the industry's most seminal figures.
During that same year, Gary also became fast friends with the iconic Beatles musician George Harrison, who was at the time putting together his All Things Must Pass solo studio album. Gary contributed to almost every track, and the two men even went on a trip to India together.
It was 1975 when Gary's song ‘Dream Weaver’, inspired by his time in India with Harrison, became a global sensation. The album of the same name is now regarded by fans and critics alike as one of the first rock records made almost entirely with synthesisers. The singer was known for performing live on portable keyboards and the keytar.
Watch one of his ‘Dream Weaver’ performances here:
The song hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, with another one of his hit singles, ‘Love is Alive’ hitting the charts as well.
Gary's lasting contribution to the industry was clear from the impact of his music on future generations of musicians, such as Jay-Z, Tone-Loc, and Eminem.
However, he became less active in the music industry the 80s and 90s as he began spending more time with his family.
Still, he maintained a distinct presence by taking part in tours with Ringo Starr's All Star Band in 2008, 2010, and 2011 and appeared in the 1992 film Wayne's World, for which he rerecorded Dream Weaver.
Fans and friends took their grief on social media. Singer and composer Stephen Bishop posted a photo with Gary along with a message:
One user wrote: ‘Sad to hear the passing of Gary Wright. ‘Dream Weaver’ was such a smash in 1976 and once again in 1992 because of the film Wayne's World. He was also my parents' neighbour in Palos Verdes and a really nice dude.’
Al Stewart, another singer-songwriter, shared his tribute on his social media:
‘If you’re of a certain generation, “Dream Weaver” might be the greatest one-hit wonder ever in pop music. An ethereal trip to the astral plane, riding the haunting tenor of Gary Wright. Hope there’s someone to meet you on the other side. RIP,’ a fan stated.
Our thoughts are with Gary Wright's loved ones on this difficult day, and we thank him for giving us a great gift throughout the years–music that truly touches our hearts and souls. May he rest in peace.
His death was confirmed to media outlets by his sons Dorian and Justin, who said that Wright had passed away aged 80 on Monday.
At the time of his death, he had been suffering from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, which severely impacted his ability to speak and move in the past year.
Gary Wright had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia before his passing. Credit: Legends Of Classic Rock/X (Twitter)
The singer-songwriter was born in New Jersey in 1943.
However, it's difficult to categorise his life under one particular professional label. He had a career as a child actor in TV and radio commercials and also performed on Broadway in the musical Fanny in 1954. He was given the chance to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show as well.
But, during his teenage years, Gary chose to pursue music and joined a few high school bands.
Despite his passion, however, he was apprehensive about making a career out of music and ultimately decided to train as a doctor in the US and West Germany.
After a stint studying and practising medicine in Europe, Gary decided to become joint lead vocalist of the British blues rock band Spooky Tooth in 1967.
Three years later, he launched his solo career, which established him as one of the industry's most seminal figures.
During that same year, Gary also became fast friends with the iconic Beatles musician George Harrison, who was at the time putting together his All Things Must Pass solo studio album. Gary contributed to almost every track, and the two men even went on a trip to India together.
It was 1975 when Gary's song ‘Dream Weaver’, inspired by his time in India with Harrison, became a global sensation. The album of the same name is now regarded by fans and critics alike as one of the first rock records made almost entirely with synthesisers. The singer was known for performing live on portable keyboards and the keytar.
Watch one of his ‘Dream Weaver’ performances here:
The song hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, with another one of his hit singles, ‘Love is Alive’ hitting the charts as well.
Gary's lasting contribution to the industry was clear from the impact of his music on future generations of musicians, such as Jay-Z, Tone-Loc, and Eminem.
However, he became less active in the music industry the 80s and 90s as he began spending more time with his family.
Still, he maintained a distinct presence by taking part in tours with Ringo Starr's All Star Band in 2008, 2010, and 2011 and appeared in the 1992 film Wayne's World, for which he rerecorded Dream Weaver.
Fans and friends took their grief on social media. Singer and composer Stephen Bishop posted a photo with Gary along with a message:
One user wrote: ‘Sad to hear the passing of Gary Wright. ‘Dream Weaver’ was such a smash in 1976 and once again in 1992 because of the film Wayne's World. He was also my parents' neighbour in Palos Verdes and a really nice dude.’
Al Stewart, another singer-songwriter, shared his tribute on his social media:
‘If you’re of a certain generation, “Dream Weaver” might be the greatest one-hit wonder ever in pop music. An ethereal trip to the astral plane, riding the haunting tenor of Gary Wright. Hope there’s someone to meet you on the other side. RIP,’ a fan stated.
Our thoughts are with Gary Wright's loved ones on this difficult day, and we thank him for giving us a great gift throughout the years–music that truly touches our hearts and souls. May he rest in peace.
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