Gary Wright

Gary Wright, whose full name was Gary Malcolm Wright, was an American singer-songwriter and keyboardist, born on April 26, 1943 in Cresskill, New Jersey, and died on September 4, 2023 in Palos Verdes Estates, California.

He became known in the late 1960s as a founding member of the British band Spooky Tooth, for whom he also served as the main lyricist. Before focusing on music, he was a child actor on Broadway and later studied medicine and psychology.

His solo career truly took off in the 1970s, with albums that became classics. At the same time, he was a sought-after session musician, collaborating with artists such as George Harrison, Joe Cocker, Elton John, and Steve Winwood.

His biggest commercial success was the 1976 single Dream Weaver, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold. The song was later used in the film and soundtrack Wayne’s World. That same year, his follow-up single Love Is Alive also reached No. 2.

After Spooky Tooth split, he also worked as a producer and, in the early 1980s, moved into composing film soundtracks. Later in his career, he was a member of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.

He was the brother of Beverly Wright and Lorna Wright, and was married to Tina Wright. He should not be confused with the New York-based producer and mixer Gary Wright (Gary Thomas Wright).

Under the alias Digital Air, he explored other facets of his musical output.