Denny Laine, a pivotal figure in rock music history known for his roles in The Moody Blues and Paul McCartney’s band Wings, died on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the age of 79.
Laine’s death occurred in Naples, Florida, and was attributed to interstitial lung disease, a condition he had been battling.
Born Brian Frederick Arthur Hines in 1944, Laine emerged as a foundational element of the British rock scene. Adopting his stage name as a young teen, he paid homage to Frankie Laine. His musical journey started with Denny Laine and the Diplomats, featuring future stars Roy Wood and Bev Bevan.
Laine achieved fame in 1964 as a founding member of The Moody Blues. His vocals on their debut hit, “Go Now,” solidified the song as a 1960s classic. However, The Moody Blues’ initial success waned, leading to Laine’s departure in 1966, which coincided with the band’s shift to a classical influence under Justin Hayward.
Post-Moody Blues, Laine explored diverse musical collaborations, including Ginger Baker’s Air Force and the Electric String Band. His significant career highlight was co-founding Wings with Paul McCartney after the Beatles disbanded. Wings dominated the 1970s music scene, featuring Laine, McCartney, and Linda McCartney as core members. They produced chart-topping hits like “My Love,” “Listen to What the Man Said,” and “Band On the Run,” showcasing Laine’s songwriting prowess in “Mull of Kintyre.”
After departing Wings in the early 1980s, Laine maintained his collaboration with McCartney, contributing to albums like “Tug of War” and “Pipes of Peace.” He also lent his voice to George Harrison’s tribute to John Lennon, “All Those Years Ago.”
Laine continued his music career into his later years, releasing albums such as “The Blue Musician” and touring. His contributions to rock were recognized with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of The Moody Blues.
Laine’s death has been widely mourned, with figures like McCartney expressing condolences and reflecting on shared experiences. His wife, Elizabeth Hines, shared touching tributes on social media, highlighting Laine’s resilience in the face of health challenges and his enduring passion for music and family.
Denny Laine’s lasting influence in rock history is evident through his significant contributions to The Moody Blues and Wings, shaping their sound and the rock genre.