Paul Gray (songwriter)

Paul Gray
Gray at Warringah Mall, Sydney, Australia, in July 2012
Background information
Birth name	Paul Francis Gray
Born	(1963-11-28)28 November 1963 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Died	24 April 2018(2018-04-24) (aged 54)
Genres	Rock, pop
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter, singer
Instrument(s)	Keyboard, keytar, vocals
Years active	1980−2014
Formerly of	Wa Wa Nee

Paul Francis Gray (28 November 1963 – 24 April 2018)[1] was an Australian singer, songwriter, pianist, 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 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 also appeared in 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. "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.