Gary Wright

Gary Wright

Gary Wright (April 26, 1943 – September 4, 2023) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known for his hit songs "Dream Weaver" and "Love Is Alive." He was a pioneer in the use of synthesizers in rock music and had a significant influence on the development of progressive rock and electronic music.

Early Life

Gary Wright was born in Cresskill, New Jersey. He began his musical career at a young age, initially studying piano and later becoming proficient in other instruments. Wright attended Tenafly High School and later studied medicine in Berlin, but he eventually decided to pursue a career in music.

Career

Early Career

Wright's early career included a stint with the British band Spooky Tooth, where he played keyboards and contributed to the band's distinctive sound. He joined the band in 1967 and was a member during the recording of several albums, including Spooky Two.

Solo Career

In the mid-1970s, Wright embarked on a solo career. His breakthrough came with the release of the album The Dream Weaver in 1975. The title track, "Dream Weaver," became a major hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Another single from the album, "Love Is Alive," also achieved significant success.

Wright continued to release solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including The Light of Smiles and Touch and Gone. He was known for his innovative use of synthesizers and his ability to blend rock with electronic music.

Collaborations

Gary Wright collaborated with several notable musicians throughout his career. He worked with George Harrison on Harrison's solo albums, including All Things Must Pass. Wright also contributed to Ringo Starr's solo projects and worked with other artists such as B.B. King and Harry Nilsson.

Legacy

Gary Wright is remembered as a pioneering figure in the use of synthesizers in rock music. His work has influenced numerous artists and continues to be celebrated for its innovation and creativity. Wright's music remains popular, and his contributions to the development of electronic and progressive rock are widely recognized.

Discography

• Extraction (1971)
• Footprint (1972)
• The Dream Weaver (1975)
• The Light of Smiles (1977)
• Touch and Gone (1977)
• Headin' Home (1979)
• The Right Place (1981)
• Who I Am (1988)
• First Signs of Life (1995)
• Human Love (1999)
• Waiting to Catch the Light (2008)
• Connected (2010)

See Also

• Spooky Tooth
• George Harrison
• Progressive rock
• Electronic music