We Remember Dobie Gray

Posted December 15, 2011

Dobie Gray was a 50-year AFTRA member, joining in 1961. Born Leonard Victor Ainsworth, he was an equally well-versed vocalist in Pop, R&B and Country, and is best known for his 1973 worldwide hit “Drift Away.”

Born in Texas, Gray moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960s. It was there that he met fellow AFTRA member Sonny Bono (then A&R Manager for now defunct Specialty Records) and this meeting led to Gray’s first hit single “Look At Me.” 

As Gray belted out hit after hit in Los Angeles, he also pursued an acting career. He enrolled in acting classes while in Hollywood and his talents quickly paid off and he landed several roles, most notably in the Los Angeles production of “Hair.”

Gray’s notoriety became international, and he used this celebrity to make a positive difference in the world. He was one of the first performers to persuade South African authorities and concert promoters to allow him to play for racially integrated audiences during the apartheid era. His perseverance led to eight gold singles, four platinum albums and nine standing-room only tours of South Africa where he remains one of the most popular artists of all time.

Gray was also a prolific songwriter.  As he began to focus more on his songwriting talents, Gray relocated to Nashville. During his years in Music City, he penned hits for AFTRA recording legends Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Etta James, Conway Twitty, Julio Iglesias and John Denver –  to name only a few.

Gray is survived by sisters Vivian Jean Outley, Arthurine Brown Williams, Naomi Mason, and brother Lee Clifton Brown.

 

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