Denny Laine, the 79-year-old British musician and former frontman of The Moody Blues, has passed away. His wife, Elizabeth Hines, confirmed the news to the BBC, who reported that Laine lost his battle against a lung disease. Born in Birmingham in 1944, Laine was one of the founding members of The Moody Blues, helping the band chart its first successes with the hit "Go Now!"
However, Laine's stay with The Moody Blues was brief. In the early 1970s, he joined forces with another 1960s legend, Paul McCartney, in his band Wings. McCartney, who was "very sad" to hear of Laine's passing, shared fond memories of their past. They had shared the stage during Beatles tours and had a healthy rapport, according to McCartney.
When the Beatles' tours ended, McCartney and Laine connected, and their collaboration resulted in the hit "Mull of Kintyre." Even though the two drifted apart, they managed to rekindle their friendship in recent years, exchanging memories and catching up. McCartney praised Laine's vocal and guitar skills, calling him an "outstanding singer and guitarist," a "great talent with a fine sense of humor," and a "willing helper" who left an unforgettable impact on many lives.
Prior to Wings, Laine's music career was rooted in the Blues, a style he continued to explore even with Wings. Alternately, after leaving The Moody Blues, he joined forces with another legendary figure, Paul McCartney, who invited him to join Wings in 1971. Together, they crafted some of Wings' most celebrated albums – Band on the Run and Venus and Mars – and helped earn the band global fame.
Laine's net worth is estimated at $10 million as of 2023, a testament to his successful career as a musician, songwriter, and performer. His collaborations with Wings earned him multiple awards and accolades.
Although Wings disbanded in 1981, Laine remains an influential figure in the music industry. His contributions to music continue to resonate with fans, as he continues to perform live and engage with them, fostering an enduring legacy.
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In the wake of Denny Laine's passing, many in the music industry and fans of the industry paid their tributes, expressing their deepest condolences and appreciation for Laine's work. His contributions to music will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point in the musical landscape of his time, helping shape the sound of The Moody Blues, Wings, and beyond.
References:
- www.stern.de
- The BEATLES: All The Songs, Dominic Cavendish, 2021
- "Wings" on Wikipedia
- www.celebritynetworth.com
