Dream Weaver: A Memoir; Music, Meditation, and My Friendship with George Harrison

by Gary Wright

Music legend Gary Wright reflects on his professional collaboration, friendship, and spiritual journey with "quiet Beatle" George Harrison, and releases for the first time a recording of a song they wrote together.

Best known for his multiplatinum hits “Dream Weaver” and “Love is Alive,” Gary Wright came to prominence as a singer and songwriter during the golden age of rock in the 1970s. What is not as well known to the public, however, is Wright’s spiritual side. At the heart of this memoir is the spiritual conversion and journey that Wright experienced alongside his close friend George Harrison. Until Harrison’s death in 2001, the two spent decades together writing songs, eating Indian fare, talking philosophy, and gardening.

In addition to featuring lyrics to a song cowritten by Wright and George Harrison in 1971, titled “To Discover Yourself,” this memoir includes a cache of never-before-seen photos.

Also available is a deluxe e-book featuring an audio recording of “To Discover Yourself.”

Genres: Music, Memoir, Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2014

About the author

Gary Wright was an American musician and composer best known for his 1976 hit songs "Dream Weaver" and "Love Is Alive".

Libriarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Beverly Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very intertaining and informative regarding the music scene of the early 60's through the 90's. I have heard the title song many times even though I am a senior citizen. It was fun going back to my youth and a lot of the subjects covered were very interesting to me. My son is an executive for Warner Music Group, Nashville, TN so I will forward this book to him for his opinion. He will know a lot of the people mentioned and I am sure he will also enjoy it. The chapters mentioning George Harrison were somewhat surprising; I forget that people we hold in high esteem are just people with the sames hopes, dreams, and interests that most of us have. I was especially happy to hear of his peaceful passing among the gardens that he tended during his lifetime and that he enjoyed until his death. The chapters mentioning meditation also helped me to learn a lot about the meaning of this religious practice and I will read further on this subject in the near future. All in all, great read!

[Johnny Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a time when the art of music meant everything to some, and it wasn't about fame and riches; it was about passion. I think every up and coming musician and songwriter should read this book [and other autobiographies from this era] to understand what true passion is all about. This book reflects a time when there were no instant celebrities or contest winners, and no one purchased beats and auto-tuned the vocal tracks. It was an era when music was created by real people, with dedication, sincerity, drive, and just plain raw guts. Recording music wasn’t easy by any means, nor was the lifestyle, but it’s how a musician existed if they wanted to play music. Gary Wright’s story has passion.

What I enjoyed the most were the adventures, sometimes lugging monstrous gear across the seas, other times on a spiritual journey. I found it very interesting to read the names of the musicians who collaborated on the recordings—up and coming artists at the time, but nothing short of musical legends in present day. Musicians have always learned from each other, and this book details many instances where coming together as a team only led to the real magic behind the music. It was also refreshing to be reminded how music companies once played a nurturing role in the development of a band or artist.

The message of Yoga and the Divine was delivered loud and clear, possibly too much. Remembering this to be an autobiography, though, as opposed to past issues of Rolling Stone, I read on, and surprisingly found myself inspired, even rooting for Mr. Wright during moments of turmoil. I think many would be surprised to discover how many projects and albums Gary Wright has been involved in. Some may say he was a one hit wonder, but I tip my hat to a man who endured well over a half century of dedication in order to give the public a few minutes of listening pleasure.

This book captures an era when music was exciting and independently crafted. I enjoyed reading Gary Wright’s journey.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very interesting. I love the song "Dream Weaver" and it was nice to see where the idea for the song came from. My interest was piqued with the mention of George Harrison. I am a big George Harrison/Beatles fan and I was curious as to how Gary met George. This book is very extensive in the spiritual journey of Gary Wright, as well as the way George Harrison helped Gary to continue to seek this faith. I would recommend this book to people that are interested in Hare Krishna and the way that a guru helps to teach the path that leads to the divine. In addition, this book discusses the ups and downs that Gary went through in the music business. The music it's self was a spiritual journey for Gary.

[wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although musically talented for all intents the author was a one hit wonder (thus the title) who just happened to befriend George Harrison because of their connection over Eastern philosophy and religion. I see a pretty narrow audience for this book of interest only to people with a deep love of "rock" history and also for those who want to learn about the Hindu faith with its vast history and its teachings. A lot of name dropping about lesser but talented musicians along the way.

[Steve Coscia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gary Wright's musical career was far more diverse and extensive than I realized. Lots of details on recording sessions, equipment utilized and session players.

This book will appeal to musicians.

[Aaron Badgley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very honest and fascinating read. He incoporates his own music history with his spiritualism. It was hard to put down.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

#97 of 120 books pledged to read during 2020

[Kathleen Rausenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

We grew up together in New Jersey. When he died in September I saw he wrote a book so I got it and read it. It was a good read for me, as I knew many of the people in it.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gary Wright comes across as the oddest mix of deeply spiritual and totally self-important and self-involved. You really need to be a huge fan of his work for this one; some may care about who played what instruments on his unknown albums. I surely didn't.

[Patrick Macke · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty amazing, under-the-radar life Gary Wright continues to live ... part one-hit wonder part master studio musician, there's plenty of name dropping here and beautiful recollections of something Gary had that we all wish we had: first-hand memories of a friendship with George

[Bill S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Credit to Gary Wright for continually “weaving” spirituality into his life story

[D2TS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good one

Great book..!! Much to learn..!! Must purchase and read to learn about music..!! Great going Gary Weaver..!! Love..!! Take care..!!