Paul Gray (songwriter)

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Paul Gray
Victoria, Australia
Died24 April 2018(2018-04-24) (aged 54)
GenresRock, pop
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, singer
Instrument(s)Keyboard, keytar, vocals
Years active1980−2014

Paul Francis Gray (28 November 1963 – 24 April 2018)[1] was an Australian songwriter, pianist, singer and record producer. He met with early success as the lead vocalist for the 1980s funk/pop band Wa Wa Nee.[2]

After the disbanding of Wa Wa Nee, Gray concentrated on work as a keyboard player, musical director, songwriter and producer. He worked with many highly successful Australian artists, including Tina Arena, Kate Ceberano and Bardot.

Gray appeared in the Countdown Spectacular 2 concert series in Australia between late August and early September 2007 as a performer and musical director. He sang two songs: "Stimulation" and "Sugar Free". In 2012, Gray appeared on an episode of Myf Warhurst’s Nice, singing a duet of "Islands in the Stream" with Warhurst.

Death

Gray was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer, in 2014,[3] and died from the disease on 24 April 2018, at age 54.[4] The news was announced by his brother and fellow band member, Mark.[3]

Selective discography

  • 1986 Wa Wa Nee, Wa Wa Nee – Paul Gray: vocals, keyboards, songwriting
  • 1989 Wa Wa Nee, Blush – Paul Gray: vocals, keyboards, songwriting
  • 1994 Kate Ceberano, Kate Ceberano and Friends – Paul Gray: keyboards, producer
  • 2000 Bardot, Bardot – Paul Gray: programmer, producer
  • 2001 Scandal'us, Startin' Somethin' – Paul Gray: producer
  • 2003
    Vous Êtes Toujours Là
    – Paul Gray: musical director, keyboards
  • 2004 Trentwood, Autotunes – Paul Gray: keyboards, backing vocals
  • 2005 Anthony Callea, "Per Sempre"
  • 2005 Tina Arena, Greatest Hits Live – Paul Gray: musical director, keyboards

He appears on three compilations and one video.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Paul GRAY Notice". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  2. ^ "Q & A with Damien Leith". Herald Sun. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Australian singer Paul Gray of Wa Wa Nee dies aged 54". abc.net.au. 25 April 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  4. ^ Paul Gray, lead singer of 1980s pop/funk band Wa Wa Nee, has died of cancer, News.com.au. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  5. ^ "Paul Gray". Discogs. Retrieved 17 December 2021.