Famous singer Denny Laine Dies at 79

Denny Laine (born Brian Frederick Arthur Hines; 29 October 1944 – 5 December 2023) was an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the rock bands The Moody Blues (1964–1966) and Wings (1971–1981). He was also a member of Ginger Baker’s Air Force and Rockestra.

Laine was born in Birmingham, England, and learned to play guitar at an early age. He was inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt and began playing professionally in the early 1960s. He joined The Moody Blues in 1964 and co-wrote some of their early hits, including “Go Now” and “I’m Just a Singer in a Rock and Roll Band”. He left the band in 1966 to pursue a solo career.

Laine released a number of solo albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but it was his time with Wings that made him a household name. He joined the band in 1971 and quickly became a key member, contributing both songs and vocals. He co-wrote some of Wings’ biggest hits, including “Band on the Run”, “Junior’s Farm”, and “Hi, Hi, Hi”. He left Wings in 1981 and continued to release solo albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Laine was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Wings in 2009. He died on December 5, 2023, at his home in Naples, Florida, from interstitial lung disease.

Laine was a versatile and talented musician who made significant contributions to both The Moody Blues and Wings. He was a gifted songwriter and vocalist, and his guitar playing was both stylish and inventive. He was a true rock and roll legend, and his music will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.