Current:Home > ContactGary Wright, 'Dream Weaver' and 'Love is Alive' singer, dies at 80 after health battle: Reports -Momentum Wealth Path
Gary Wright, 'Dream Weaver' and 'Love is Alive' singer, dies at 80 after health battle: Reports
View
Date:2025-04-14 01:58:01
Singer-songwriter Gary Wright, best known for his groundbreaking album "The Dream Weaver," has died. He was 80.
Wright died Monday at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, his sons Justin and Dorian confirmed to ABC News and Variety, respectively.
Wright’s son Justin told ABC News that his father had been battling Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia for the past six years.
USA TODAY has reached out to Wright's representative for comment.
Born in April 1943 in New Jersey, Wright found some success as the keyboardist for the British hard rock band Spooky Tooth. Following the group's disbandment, Wright devoted his efforts to his solo music career, releasing the albums "Extraction" and "Footprint" in 1970 and 1971, respectively.
Wright’s 1975 album "The Dream Weaver" became his breakthrough hit, boasting a pair of No. 2 singles in 1976: "Dream Weaver" and "Love is Alive." The soft rock album was also recognized as one of the first rock albums to feature only synthesizers.
"It was a big deal creatively because I had been working with basically a guitar-oriented band, which was Spooky Tooth," Wright told The Daytona Beach News-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, in 2011. "I had never consciously sat down and said, 'I'm going to do an all-keyboard album.' It just fell into place as I was writing the songs for the album."
The album went on to sell 2 million copies, and its title track "Dream Weaver" has been featured in films such as as "Wayne's World, "The People vs. Larry Flynt" and "Toy Story 3."
Wright also lent his musical talents to his peers. The singer played keyboards on Beatles guitarist George Harrison's 1970 album "All Things Must Pass."
Steve Harwell:Former Smash Mouth singer dies at 56: 'A 100% full-throttle life'
'He lived his life like a song':Jimmy Buffett, 'Margaritaville' singer and mogul, dies
Contributing: Rick De Yampert, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
veryGood! (2)
Related
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- In Maui, a desperate search for the missing; Lahaina warned of 'toxic' ash: Live updates
- 3 former GOP operatives to pay $50K for roles in a fake charity tied to E. Palestine derailment
- Luke Bryan talks his return to Vegas' Resorts World: 'I'm having the most fun of anyone'
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Linda Evangelista Has a Surprising Take on Botox After Being Disfigured From Cosmetic Procedure
- Men attacked Alabama boat co-captain for ‘just doing my job,’ he says
- Arkansas governor names Shea Lewis as Parks, Heritage and Tourism secretary
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Move over, 'Barbie': Why 'Red, White & Royal Blue' is the gayest movie this summer
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Michigan police chief, mayor apologize after arrest video of 12-year-old boy goes viral
- Extreme heat drives Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs to declare state of emergency
- California judge who's charged with murder allegedly texted court staff: I just shot my wife. I won't be in tomorrow.
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- DNA analysis helps identify remains of WWII veteran shot down during bombing mission
- Former NFL Player Sean Dawkins Dead at 52
- Travis Barker's Ex Shanna Moakler Defends Daughter Alabama's Rap Career
Recommendation
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
Adam Sandler, family team up for 'You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah': Release date, cast, trailer
3 unaccounted for after house explosion that destroyed 3 homes, damaged at least 12 others
Lower age limits, eye-popping bonuses: Lifeguard recruitment goes hardcore
Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
Damar Hamlin Makes NFL Comeback, Plays First Competitive Game Since Cardiac Arrest
The Ultimatum’s April Marie Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With Cody Cooper
Jeff Bezos reportedly buys $68 million home in Miami's billionaire bunker. Tom Brady and Ivanka Trump will be his neighbors.