Born in Texas in 1940, Dobie Gray was a songwriter as well as a vocalist and penned songs for a wide range of singers including Ray Charles, George Jones, Nina Simone, Julio Iglesias and John Denver. Gray achieved chart success under his own name with his 1965 recording “The In Crowd.”

But Gray will always be remembered for his 1973 million-selling hit recording, “Drift Away.” In 2003 Gray achieved yet more success with the song when a version he recorded with Uncle Kracker shot to the top of the adult contemporary charts.

“Drift Away” has also been a popular film and television selection over the years, appearing in movies such as 1973’s “Wonderland,” and 2006’s “Invincible” as well as a 2007 episode of the television show “The Office.”

A cause of death has not been determined.