Paul Gray (songwriter)
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]
Paul Gray | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) Gray at Warringah Mall, Sydney, Australia, in July 2012 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Paul Francis Gray |
| Born | 28 November 1963 |
| Died | 24 April 2018 (aged 54) |
| Genres | Rock, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, singer |
| Instrument(s) | Keyboard, keytar, vocals |
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 Tina Arena, 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
- "Paul GRAY Notice". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
- "Q & A with Damien Leith". Herald Sun. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- "Australian singer Paul Gray of Wa Wa Nee dies aged 54". abc.net.au. 25 April 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- Paul Gray, lead singer of 1980s pop/funk band Wa Wa Nee, has died of cancer, News.com.au. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- "Paul Gray". Discogs. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
