David Clayton-Thomas, who fronted Blood, Sweat and Tears during their most successful years, died peacefully in Toronto on Tuesday. He was 84.
A press notice confirmed the death but did not disclose a cause. Clayton-Thomas joined the band in 1968 after its original frontman Al Kooper departed.
His baritone voice helped drive hits such as Spinning Wheel, You’ve Made Me So Very Happy, and And When I Die. The group’s self-titled 1968 album topped the Billboard chart for seven weeks and won the Grammy for Album of the Year.
Born David Henry Thomsett in Surrey, England, in 1941, he grew up in Toronto and later received induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. He is survived by daughters Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham.
A memorial concert benefiting Peacebuilders Canada is planned.
