Gary Wright, ‘Dream Weaver’ Singer, Dead at 80

Gary Wright has died at the age of 80.

The “Dream Weaver” musician has died after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. TMZ first reported the news, which Wright’s friends also shared.

The composer’s son, Justin Wright, said his father died at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California, on Monday morning, September 4. The news comes roughly six years after the “Love Is Alive” singer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and not long after that, with dementia.

Gary Wright in 1978.

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Justin told the paper that as Gary’s Parkinson’s progressed, his father was unable to perform everyday tasks such as walking or speaking on his own. He died with his loved ones by his side.

Elizabeth Freund, Wright’s representative, told PEOPLE in a statement that she “first met Gary Wright in 2008 when he joined Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band and worked with him on a number of projects over the following years. He was a phenomenal musician and a genuinely peaceful human being. much love. The word dedicated comes to mind.”

“Very kind and very spiritual. I have always been struck by his deep and abiding love for his dear wife, Rose, whom I now think of. Your Love Is Alive – now and always Gary,” Freund continued in a statement. “Thank you for the music Dream Weaver. Sending peace and love to his family. RIP #garywright #ringostarrandhisallstarrband #peaceandlove.”

Gary’s industry colleagues confirmed his death on social media and expressed their condolences.

Ambrosia co-founder David Pack shared a heartfelt message on Facebook in memory of his late friend.

“Goodbye Gary Wright. With a heavy sigh, I sadly send love to Gary’s wife, Rose, Gary’s son, Dorian Wright, and extended family. My friend Gary Wright has ascended to heaven,” Pack wrote.

Gary Wright in August 2011.

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Pack included a photo of the two of them smiling on stage while he plays guitar, while Gary seems to clap his hands to the beat of the music.

Pack said he has been a fan of Gary since his days as a member of the English rock band Spooky Tooth. “He was a legend with his breakthrough hits Dream Weaver and my love is alive, as well as playing keyboards on every George Harrison solo album. I truly believe that Gary is in heaven and that he and George are already working on new music,” Pack wrote.

The “Holdin’ on to Yesterday” singer ended his post by sharing fond memories of their time together, noting that at one point the two were neighbors.

“He would walk up to my house with a bag of fresh tomatoes from his garden with his gardener’s hat on. It’s the real Gary, with a smile on his face, that he wants to share with his neighbor. That’s the spirit that wrote those classic songs,” Pack added.

Stephen Bishop also paid tribute to the star.

“It is with great sadness that I received the news that my dear friend Gary Wright has passed away,” Bishop tweeted on Twitternow known as X.

His send-off included two photos of him smiling with Gary “from the first and last time we shared the stage together, alongside our mutual musical friend John Ford Coley.”

The “Bowling in Paris” singer spoke highly of Gary, remembering the entertainer as someone whose “vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable.”

Gary Wright in 1977.

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“His legacy will live on for many years to come. I will always cherish the warmth and kindness shown to me by Gary and his wife, Rose, and I will forever treasure the stories he shared with me about days gone by,” Bishop said.

“My sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans at this difficult time,” he added.

Before making his mark in music, Gary was a child actor who went on to Broadway. After acting in a musical Fannyhe studied medicine and then psychology in New York and Berlin.

In addition to Spooky Tooth, he was briefly a member of Wonderwheel in the early 1970s and the multi-member supergroup Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. He appeared on many of the late Beatle George Harrison’s solo albums, including All things must pass and Ninth cloud.

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