‘Dream Weaver’ Singer Gary Wright Passes Away at 80
via U.S.A / YouTube
The music world mourns the loss of Gary Wright, the singer, and keyboardist renowned for his hits “Dream Weaver” and “Love is Alive” in the mid-’70s. Gary Wright, aged 80, reportedly passed away after a battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, according to his son, Justin.
Born on April 26, 1943, in Creeskill, New Jersey, Gary Wright’s musical journey began as a member of the British hard rock band Spooky Tooth.
However, it was in 1970 that he received an invitation that would change his life forever – a chance to participate in the recording sessions for George Harrison’s iconic “All Things Must Pass” album.
In his 2014 book, “Dream Weaver,” Gary Wright candidly shared an unforgettable moment from those sessions. Nervous and making mistakes on the Wurlitzer piano, he recalled how George Harrison’s kindness shone through. Harrison reassured him, saying:
“Take all the time you need, we’re in no rush.”
This encounter not only led to his involvement in the entire album but also sparked a lifelong friendship with the former Beatle.
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After Spooky Tooth disbanded for the second time, Gary Wright embarked on a solo career, achieving superstardom with his 1975 double-platinum album, “The Dream Weaver.”
This record stood out for its unique reliance on keyboards and synthesizers, a departure from the typical guitar-driven sound of the era.
Reflecting on the creation of “The Dream Weaver,” Wright shared:
“I didn’t know it would take off as it did when I made it. The theme of having only keyboards, drums, voices – and no guitars — came accidentally.”
He utilized the technology available at the time, including the Minimoog, Clavinet, Fender Rhodes, Hammond organ, and Rhythm Ace drum machine, to craft his music. The album’s title track, “Dream Weaver,” had actually been written earlier on an acoustic guitar.
While Gary Wright never surpassed the success of “The Dream Weaver,” he remained active in the music industry. He continued to shine as a solo artist and reunited with Spooky Tooth. In a delightful twist, he also joined forces with another Beatles legend, Ringo Starr, as a member of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr touring bands in 2008, 2010, and 2011.
