June 26 (THEWILL) — David Clayton-Thomas, the Grammy-winning Canadian singer and former frontman of American jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears, has died at the age of 84.
His publicist, Eric Alper, announced on Thursday that Clayton-Thomas died peacefully at a Toronto hospital on Wednesday, June 24. No cause of death was disclosed.
Clayton-Thomas was best known as the voice behind Blood, Sweat & Tears hits including “Spinning Wheel,” “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” and “And When I Die.”
He joined the band in 1968 and helped make it one of the biggest music groups of the late 1960s. The band’s self-titled album topped the Billboard 200 chart and won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
Born David Henry Thomsett in Surrey, England, he moved to Canada as a child.
As a troubled youth, he taught himself to play the guitar while in reform school before beginning a successful music career.
After leaving Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1972, he released several solo albums and later rejoined the band. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and also received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Clayton-Thomas is survived by his daughters, Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham.
A memorial concert will be held at a later date, with proceeds going to Peacebuilders Canada, according to his publicist.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
