"Drift Away" was one of my favorite songs as a kid. It brings youth back to me every time I hear it. I was 10 at the time - about when I started paying attention to the pop music on AM radio.
*Note: in searching news accounts of Gray's death, it seems there is discrepancy as to how old he was. Some news accounts are saying 69, others, 71. I find that sad.
Pop singer Dobie Gray dead in Nashville at age 69NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dobie Gray was more than a smooth balladeer who recorded the timeless hit "Drift Away" in 1973.
He wrote songs for an array of country and pop performers, was a trailblazing entertainer in South Africa and, in death, a philanthropist.
Gray died in his sleep at his Nashville home Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 69.
"Drift Away" also was recorded by rap artist Uncle Kracker in 2003 and became a hit again....
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...He wrote songs recorded by Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, Etta James, Three Dog Night, Julio Iglesias, John Denver, George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
Gray sang on several motion picture soundtracks including "Uptown Saturday Night," ''Out of Sight" and "Casey's Shadow." Additionally, he sang advertising jingles for companies such as Clorox, Budweiser, Hardee's, Honda and Buick...
More @ link...
Dobie gray- drift away