David Clayton-Thomas has died at the age of 84.
The Canadian singer – who fronted American jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears – died on Tuesday evening, his publicist Eric Alper confirmed on Thursday.
In a statement, Alper said Clayton-Thomas died peacefully on 24 June at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
His cause of death has not been made public.
“One of the most recognizable voices of his generation, Clayton-Thomas sang the hell out of every song he touched, soaring and sunny one moment, a deep and somber shade of blue the next,” the statement continued. “Over a career that carried him from the streets of Toronto to the stage at Woodstock and beyond.”
Clayton-Thomas launched his music career in the 1960s, performing in Toronto before joining The Shays. The group released its debut album, David Clayton Thomas and the Shays à Go-Go, in 1965.
He later relocated to New York City, where he auditioned for Blood, Sweat & Tears and went on to become the band’s frontman. The group released its self-titled second album in 1968, winning five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
Clayton-Thomas left the band in 1972 before returning in 1974. He departed for a second time in 1981, although the break proved short-lived as he rejoined in 1984 for a further 20-year stint.
During his career, the hitmaker achieved numerous milestones, including induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1996. His 1969 signature hit, Spinning Wheel, was also inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.
Clayton-Thomas is survived by his daughters, Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham.
