Singer-songwriter Gary Wright, who found fame with 1970s hits “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive,” died Monday. He was 80 years old.
Wright had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
“It is with great sadness that I received the news of my dear friend Gary Wright’s passing,” singer Stephen Bishop posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Gary’s vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable. His legacy will live on for many years to come,” added Bishop.
Wright was a child actor, performing in the Broadway production of “Fanny” with future “Brady Bunch” star Florence Henderson.
He was later a member of the English rock group Spooky Tooth and played piano on George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass,” album.
This began a friendship with the former Beatle, who Wright would later write about in his book “Dream Weaver: A Memoir; Music, Meditation, and My Friendship with George Harrison.”
“I always had a feeling that God existed and was helping me,” Wright said in a 2014 interview. “It wasn’t really defined clearly but I knew there was something there and it wasn’t until I met George Harrison that I started to really begin to delve deeply into spiritual life.”
Recording as a solo artist, both “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Dream Weaver” also stayed in the public consciousness with its use in the 1992 hit comedy “Wayne’s World.”
Wright re-recorded the song for the film.
Ambrosia co-founder David Pack paid tribute to Wright in a Facebook post.
“Starting with Spooky Tooth, I watched Gary evolve into a true music star. He was a legend with his breakthrough hits dream Weaver and my love is alive, as well as play keyboards on every George Harrison solo album,” Pack said.
“I truly believe Gary is in paradise and he and George are already working on new music.”
In addition to his work with Harrison, Wright was also a member of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band, touring with the group in 2008, 2010 and 2011.
Wright was married twice and had two children.