Dobie Gray: singer passes away

Most people will remember Dobie Gray as the singer who had a big hit with "Drift Away" back in 1973.

Most people will remember Dobie Gray as the singer who had a big hit with "Drift Away" back in 1973.

But his influence in the music world went far beyond song that became a timeless classic. Gray wrote songs for a number of pop and country performers. But he also was a trailblazing artist in the fight to end racist rule in South Africa.

When he performed in South Africa, he insisted on performing for integrated audiences. Once he took that stand, he became especially popular in South Africa.

Dobie Gray died in his sleep at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 69 years old.

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