Gary Wright. Child Actor, Solo Artist, New Jersey native!

He's one of our own on a "Jersey Homecoming Weekend!"

Gary Malcolm Wright was born in Cresskill New Jersey, on April 26th 1943.  He grew up in Cresskill, and is a graduate of Tenafly High School.

Wright was bitten by the showbiz bug early in life. He started out as a child actor, appearing on Broadway! He was the original "Acolyte" in the 1954 long-running production of "Fanny." Later, he played the part of Fanny's son, "Cesario." Who played the part of Fanny? A young Florence Henderson who would achieve stardom in the '70s as "Carol Brady," the mom on "The Brady Bunch!"

Gary Wright began his recording career in 1959, recording as part of the duo "Gary & Billy." The songs "Working After School" and "Lisa" were released on the "20th Century Fox" records label.

In the 1960s, Wright went to Europe to study psychology.

In 1967, Gary joined the band "Spooky Tooth" as a singer and keyboardist. He also played with the folk rock group "Howl The Good" in England at this time, and worked as a record producer in England. He met George Harrison around 1970, and played piano on the former-Beatle's "All Things Must Pass" album.

After "Spooky Tooth" split in 1974, Gary Wright concentrated on a solo career, leading to two of "Jersey's Favorite Hits!"

"Dream Weaver" (#2, 1976)...

...and "Love Is Alive" (#2, 1976).

In 1981, Gary Wright returned to the "Hot 100" with "Really Want To Know You."

The song landed at #16.  This under-appreciated song (in my opinion), was Wright's last chart hit.

Gary Wright continues to record albums to this day.  His June 2010 album "Connected" features guest appearances from Ringo Starr & Joe Walsh ("Rocky Mountain Way").  In 2008 and 2010, Wright toured with "Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band," along with Rick Derringer ("Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo") and Edgar Winter ("Frankenstein" & "Free Ride"). See the video below!

Gary Wright lives in Palos Verdes Estates, California.  He is married to Rose, and has two grown sons named Dorian and Justin. Dorian gets a recording credit on his father's 2008 re-recorded version of "Love Is Alive."

Long live New Jersey's own Gary Wright, on a "Jersey Homecoming Weekend!"

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