Legendary musician Gary Wright has passed away after a long battle with his health. The news of his death was confirmed by his son, Justin Wright, who revealed that Gary died on Monday morning at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. The South Bay resident had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about 5 or 6 years ago, and later developed Lewy body dementia.
Gary’s Parkinson’s disease had progressed rapidly over the past year, causing him to lose the ability to move around and speak. In the final days of his life, nurses who were attending to him informed the family that he was entering his final chapter. His loved ones were with him at the time of his passing.
The sad news of Gary Wright’s death has already started to spread in the music world, with many paying tribute to the late musician. Singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop took to Twitter to express his sadness, sharing photos of him and Gary during their time together on stage. Bishop described Gary as having a vibrant personality and exceptional talent, and expressed his gratitude for the warmth and kindness shown to him by Gary and his wife Rose. Bishop extended his heartfelt condolences to Gary’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
Gary Wright will always be remembered for his iconic hits from the mid-1970s, including “Dream Weaver” and “Love is Alive.” However, his musical legacy goes well beyond those songs. He produced a total of 12 albums, starting from 1970, and collaborated with numerous other musicians. One of his most notable partnerships was with former Beatle George Harrison, who worked with Gary on his album “All Things Must Pass.” In return, Gary received George’s assistance on his own album, “Footprints.”
Aside from his contributions as a musician, Gary Wright also made significant advancements in the industry. He is credited with being one of the first mainstream artists to introduce the synthesizer in pop music, which eventually became a staple in the genre.
At the age of 80, Gary Wright leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by music lovers for many years to come. The industry mourns the loss of a talented musician who has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Rest in peace, Gary Wright.