In Memoriam
Richard Wright
July 28, 1943 – September 15, 2008 · aged 65
Progressive Rock · Psychedelic Rock
Richard William Wright was the quiet, atmospheric genius behind the vast sonic landscapes of Pink Floyd. Born in London in 1943, Wright was a founding member and the primary keyboardist of the legendary progressive rock band. While Roger Waters provided the lyrical conceptualism and David Gilmour the searing guitar solos, it was Wright's lush synthesizer washes, Hammond organ, and jazz-inflected piano chords that gave Pink Floyd its unmistakable spatial depth. His exquisite compositional skills were the heart of masterpieces like 'The Great Gig in the Sky' and 'Us and Them' from the monumental album 'The Dark Side of the Moon.' Though he was temporarily forced out of the band by Waters during the 'The Wall' sessions, he later returned as a core member. Wright passed away from lung cancer on September 15, 2008, at the age of 65. His rich, melancholic chord progressions remain the celestial foundation of Pink Floyd's enduring sound.
Milestones
The Great Gig in the Sky, Us and Them, Echoes
Also remembered in 2008
- Bo Diddley (1928–2008)
- Eartha Kitt (1927–2008)
- Isaac Hayes (1942–2008)
- Mitch Mitchell (1946–2008)