Dream Weaver singer Gary Wright dies as tributes pour in for musician

04 September 2023 , 22:48

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Gary Wright has died (Image: WireImage)

Singer Gary Wright has died, his son has confirmed. The musician, best known for his song Dream Weaver, died at home in California at the age of 80.

It's thought the singer has been dealing in private with Parkinson's Disease after being diagnosed with the condition almost six years ago. It's also said he had Lewy body dementia. Reports say his condition had deteriorated quickly over the last year, leaving him unable to move around or speak. His son, Justin, told TMZ nurses informed the the family he was entering his final chapter several days ago.

As well as hit song Dream Weaver, Gary was behind the tune Love Is Alive. In total, he produced 12 albums and was involved in a number of collaborations and compilations. One partnership included former Beatles member George Harrison, for whom he played keyboard on the song All Things Must Pass.

Gary was best known for Dream Weaver (Redferns)

As the sad news filtered through, members of the music world took time to pay tribute to the star. Sharing images of him next to the star, Stephen Bishop wrote on Twitter: "It is with great sadness that I received the news of my dear friend Gary Wright's passing."

He added: "The attached photos hold precious memories from the very first and last time we shared the stage together, alongside our mutual musical pal John Ford Coley. Gary's vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable. 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 hold dear the stories he shared with me about days gone by. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time."

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Another Twitter user shared a clip of Gary with George, saying: "Sad to hear that Gary Wright has died - worth sharing this clip of him having a great time with his dear pal George Harrison recording ‘Don’t Try to Own Me’ in 1992."

A third wrote: "Gary Wright passed? Damn. RIP Dream Weaver," while a fourth said: "They say deaths come in 3s unfortunately this turned out to be true as we just now lost Gary Wright who was famous for his "Dreamweaver" hit shown below here. First Jimmy Buffett, then Steve Harwell and now Gary Wright. It seems like everyone and everything is fading away."

Jamie Roberts