David Clayton-Thomas, the singer who helped make Blood, Sweat & Tears a huge hit, has died at the age of 84.
His publicist confirmed that he died peacefully in a Toronto hospital. No cause of death has been announced.
For many fans, Clayton-Thomas was the voice behind some of the band’s biggest songs, including Spinning wheel, And when I die and you have made me very happy.
Her powerful voice helped make the group one of the most successful acts of the late ’60s and early ’70s.
But his path to fame was not easy. Born in England, he later moved to Toronto with his family.
As a teenager, the late icon became homeless and spent years getting into trouble and in and out of jail.
Everything changed when music entered his life.
After making a name for himself in Canada, he moved to New York and joined Blood, Sweat & Tears.
The band’s success exploded shortly after. Their albums sold millions of copies and won several Grammy Awards.
Recalling his joining the group, Clayton-Thomas once said: “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but yeah. The first time I came in and sang with that band, we were in shock. It was one of those electric things that happen.”
