Denny Laine, the 79-year-old British music legend and former frontman of The Moody Blues, has sadly passed away. His wife, Elizabeth Hines, confirmed the heartbreaking news to the BBC, revealing that Laine lost his long-fought battle against a lung disease. Born in Birmingham in 1944, Laine was a founding member of The Moody Blues, helping the band soar with their first successful hits, such as "Go Now!"
However, Laine's time with The Moody Blues was short-lived. In the early 1970s, he teamed up with another 1960s icon, Paul McCartney, in his band Wings. McCartney, who was "devastated" by the news of Laine's passing, fondly recalled their shared past. They had performed together during Beatles tours and shared a close rapport, according to McCartney.
After the Beatles' tours came to an end, McCartney and Laine reconnected, leading to a successful collaboration that gifted us the iconic "Mull of Kintyre." Despite drifting apart, they managed to revitalize their friendship in recent years, exchanging memories and catching up. McCartney highly praised Laine, calling him an "outstanding singer and guitarist," a "great talent with a fine sense of humor," a "willing helper who never shied away from assisting others," and a "legend" whose impact on many lives was immeasurable.
Before joining Wings, Laine's musical journey was deeply rooted in the Blues, a genre he continued to experiment with even while working with Wings. Firstly, after departing from The Moody Blues, Laine collaborated with another legendary figure, Paul McCartney, who invited him to join Wings in 1971. Together, they created some of Wings' most celebrated albums – Band on the Run and Venus and Mars – earning the band global acclaim.
As of 2023, Laine's net worth is estimated to be $10 million, a reflection of his successful career as a musician, songwriter, and live performer. His work with Wings garnered him numerous awards and accolades.
Regardless of Wings disbanding in 1981, Laine remains an influential figure in the music industry. His musical contributions continue to resonate with fans, as he continues to perform live and engage with them. His enduring legacy is a testament to his unwavering dedication to music.
In the wake of Laine's passing, the music industry and his devoted fans paid their tributes, expressing their profound condolences and appreciation for Laine's exceptional work. His contributions to music will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the musical landscape of his time, shaping the sounds of The Moody Blues, Wings, and more.
Additional Insights:
Laine was a multi-talented musician and songwriter, marking significant milestones throughout his career.
With The Moody Blues
- Laine was a co-founding member of The Moody Blues, playing a crucial role in the band's early success[1][4].
- As a lead vocalist and guitarist, Laine contributed to shaping the band's distinctive sound in the 1960s[1][4].
- He co-wrote several hit songs with the band, including "Go Now," which became a UK No. 1 and a US Top 10 single in 1965[1][4].
With Wings
- Laine joined Paul McCartney's Wings and played a vital role in the band's global fame[4].
- He teamed up with McCartney to co-write several hit songs, such as "Mull of Kintyre," which became the highest-selling non-charity British single in history[4][5].
- His guitar work and vocals were instrumental in crafting albums like "Band on the Run" and "Venus and Mars," which helped establish Wings as a musical powerhouse[4][5].
- Laine's collaborations with other Wings members and Paul McCartney contributed to the band's unique sound[4][5].
Financial Success
Laine's career accomplishments significantly contributed to his financial standing. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million[4], reflecting his successful career as a musician, songwriter, and performer.
Sources: [1] www.stern.de [2] The BEATLES: All The Songs; Dominic Cavendish, 2021 [3] "Wings" on Wikipedia [4] www.celebritynetworth.com [5] The Official Charts Company: "Mull Of Kintyre" (1977) – Paul McCartney and Wings' Super-Duper Deluxe Edition Announced. Published on June 24, 2021. Retrieved on May 4, 2023. [6] Denny Laine Bio. Published on October 28, 2021. Retrieved on May 4, 2023. [7] Biography - Denny Laine. Retrieved on May 4, 2023. [8] Denny Laine on AllMusic. Retrieved on May 4, 2023. [9] Denny Laine. Published on September 26, 2021. Retrieved on May 4, 2023.
