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Gary Wright, known for his 1976 hits “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive,” died Monday at his home in Palos Verdes, California, at the age of 80.
TMZ He reportedly was battling Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Wright’s “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive” were both number one. Two of her songs hit the Billboard Hot 100 and both were among her top 40 songs of 1976.
He was also famous for his work with George Harrison.
Born in Cresskill, New Jersey on April 26, 1943, Wright was a child actor who appeared in the early television series Captain Video and His Video Rangers. He did radio advertising and made his Broadway debut in the show Funny (1954) co-starring Florence Henderson.
After graduating from high school, he embarked on a recording career, releasing his first song as part of Gary & Billy, “Working After School” (1960).
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Although he studied medicine, he was drawn back to the world of music and toured Europe with the band ‘Art’ (later Spooky Tooth). After three albums, he began his solo career with the albums ‘Extraction’ (1970) and ‘Footprint’ (1971), and in 1970 he released George Harrison’s album ‘All Things Must They also worked on “Path” and played together on his other solo work for ten years. As a member of a band called Wonderwheel.
Wright returned to Spooky Tooth for two records, working with Ringo Starr and Ronnie Spector, and famously played piano on Harry Nilsson’s 1972 single “Without You”.
However, his breakthrough success came with his double platinum certified third solo album, The Dream Weaver, a record noted for his early use of synthesizers.
Wright produced a total of 12 solo studio albums, with 1981’s “Really Wanna Know You” being his last Top 40 solo hit.
Later in his career, Wright worked on a number of film soundtracks, re-recorded “Dream Weaver” for Wayne’s World (1992), toured extensively, and published the memoir Dream Weaver: Music. , Meditation, and Friendship with George Harrison” (2014). ).
Wright is survived by his second wife Rose, whom he married in 1985, two sons and a sister.
