Famous mastermind behind hit single dies just days after surgery update

Pop/rock singer Dwight Twilley, who found fame in the 1970s and 80s with hits like I’m on Fire and Girls, has died at the age of 72.

The music icon enjoyed much success, both as a solo artist and as part of a group. He and his bandmate, Phil Seymour, formed the band Oister. The pair were sometimes joined by guitarist Bill Pitcock IV, and, after making music in their home studio, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, they ventured to Tennessee, Mississippi to pursue music seriously.

Dwight Twilley’s wife confirms the sad news

In a statement, which was read out at Tulsa’s Church Studio, where some of Dwight’s biggest hits were recorded, his wife, Jan, said: “He peacefully departed this world, surrounded by the love of his life, Jan, and close friends. The loss is immeasurable, and our words can’t capture the depth of our grief.

“Dwight’s musical prowess touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many. We are profoundly thankful for the enduring musical legacy he has bestowed upon us all.”

Though a cause of death is yet to be given, his wife said the family will “provide further details as we honor and remember the remarkable life of Dwight Twilley.”

The celebrity had only given an update on having surgery on his broken leg a few days prior to his tragic death.

He wrote on Facebook: “Dwight Twilley broke his leg! Has to hang up his Dancin’ shoes for a while. I’m not feelin’ that great today… My leg is Very Messed up… Nighty, night, night.”

“Roughing up their Beatles-obsessed style”

The group ended up stopping at the Sun Studio, where the men were introduced to one of the label’s former artists, Ray Harris, by Jerry Philips. Jerry was the son of the recording studio’s founder, Sam.

According to Dwight’s official website, Ray introduced them to “‘the Sun sound,'” roughing up their Beatles-obsessed style a bit and creating a unique and endearing sound.”

In 1974, they were signed while in Los Angeles to Shelter Records. It was co-owned by Denny Cordell and Leon Russell. The former changed the band’s name to Dwight Twilley Band. Their debut single, I’m on Fire, debuted at number 16 on the Billboard charts in 1975. They went on to release their debut album, Sincerely, the next year.

In his solo career, he enjoyed numerous hits with one, Looking for the Magic which came out in 1997. The record was on the soundtrack to many TV shows and films, including Diary of a Teenage Girl and House of Cards.

One of his albums was never released

However, the band’s next release, Shark (in the Dark), brought the band some trouble. Their label thought that if they performed it live on American Bandstand, they’d be perceived as a cash grab. This was because the Steven Spielberg-directed Jaws had been a blockbuster hit, and it was therefore rejected.

The founders of their label also ended up in a lawsuit. Their label Shelter Records moved from MCA Records to ABC Records. This resulted in their album going unreleased for 18 months and another, titled B Album, never seeing the light of day.