Gary Wright, singer-songwriter known for hit Dream Weaver and playing with George Harrison, dies at 80 after Parkinson’s and dementia struggle
Gary Wright, singer-songwriter known for hit Dream Weaver and playing with George Harrison, dies at age 80 after battling Parkinson’s and dementia
- Wright is best known for the influential all-keyboard album The Dream Weaver (1975)
- After that hit, he became involved in world and new age music, but also film music
- Wright also played keyboards on George Harrison’s classic All Things Must Pass
Gary Wright, the musician best known for the 1976 hit Dream Weaver and major work on former Beatle George Harrison’s biggest solo album, has passed away at the age of 80.
Gary’s son Justin Wright told TMZ that his father died Monday morning at his home in California’s Palos Verdes Estates.
He said the singer-songwriter had been battling Parkinson’s disease for five to six years and had recently developed Lewy body dementia.
Justin added that the composer’s Parkinson’s symptoms had gotten significantly worse over the past year, sadly leaving Gary unable to speak or move.
He added that home nurses who had been caring for the musician had informed his relatives a few days ago that the end was near.
Final note: Gary Wright, the musician known for the 1976 hit Dream Weaver, has passed away at the age of 80. Gary’s son Justin Wright told TMZ his father died Monday morning at his home in California’s Palos Verdes Estates after battling Parkinson’s and dementia. ; seen in 2014 in NYC
After a private health battle: Gary’s son Justin Wright told TMZ his father died Monday morning at his home in California’s Palos Verdes Estates
Following the news of his death, tributes began to flow online, with many commenting on his legacy and contribution to music.
“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of my dear friend Gary Wright. The attached photos hold fond memories of the very first and last time we shared the stage together, along with our mutual musical friend John Ford Coley,” Stephen Bishop tweeted. “Gary’s vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable.”
The two-time Grammy nominee continued, “His legacy will live on for many years to come. I will always cherish the warmth and kindness that Gary and his wife Rose have shown me, and will forever hold dear to the stories he shared with me of days gone by. My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and fans at this difficult time.”
“We are so sorry to hear about Gary Wright’s passing. He was one of the nicest rock stars I’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing, and he leaves behind a wonderful body of work. Condolences to his family, friends and fans,” radio personality Andre Gardner wrote on Twitter.
RIP: Following the news of his death, tributes poured in online, with many people commenting on his legacy and contribution to music
“We are so sorry to hear about Gary Wright’s passing. He was one of the nicest rock stars I’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing, and he leaves behind a wonderful body of work. Condolences to his family, friends and fans,” radio personality Andre Gardner wrote on Twitter