Renowned singer-songwriter Gary Wright, famous for his 1970s hits “Dream Weaver” and "Love Is Alive," has sadly passed away at the age of 80. The news of his death was confirmed by his son, Dorian, although no cause of death was announced. Wright had been battling Parkinson's disease and dementia prior to his passing.

The music industry and fans alike are mourning the loss of this talented musician. Singer Stephen Bishop expressed his sorrow on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, "It is with great sadness that I received the news of my dear friend Gary Wright's passing. Gary's vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable. His legacy will live on for many years to come." Bishop had a close friendship with Wright and cherished their time together.

Wright's musical journey began as a child actor, performing in the Broadway production of “Fanny” alongside future “Brady Bunch” star Florence Henderson. Later, he became a member of the English rock group Spooky Tooth and played piano on George Harrison's iconic album "All Things Must Pass." This collaboration with Harrison led to a deep friendship, which Wright would eventually write about in his book "Dream Weaver: A Memoir; Music, Meditation, and My Friendship with George Harrison." Wright credited Harrison for sparking his interest in spirituality and delving into a deeper understanding of life.

As a solo artist, Wright achieved great success with his singles “Dream Weaver” and "Love Is Alive," both reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Dream Weaver” gained even more popularity when it was featured in the hit comedy film "Wayne's World" in 1992. Wright re-recorded the song specifically for the film, solidifying its place in pop culture.

David Pack, co-founder of Ambrosia, paid tribute to Wright on Facebook, highlighting his evolution as a music star. Pack stated, "Starting with Spooky Tooth, I watched Gary evolve into a true music star. He was a legend with his breakthrough hits 'Dream Weaver' and 'Love Is Alive,' as well as playing keyboards on every George Harrison solo album. I truly believe Gary is in paradise, and he and George are already working on new music."

In addition to his collaborations with Harrison, Wright was also a member of Ringo Starr's All Starr Band, touring with the group in 2008, 2010, and 2011. Throughout his career, Wright was married twice and had two children.

Beyond his own success, Wright's musical legacy lives on through the continued covers and samples of his songs. Chaka Khan famously recorded a powerful version of "Love Is Alive" for her 1984 album "I Feel for You," while artists like Jay-Z and Tone-Loc have sampled his music in their own tracks.

Gary Wright's contributions to the music industry and his impact on fans around the world will be remembered for generations to come. His unforgettable songs and vibrant personality have left an indelible mark on the world of music.