David Clayton-Thomas, the singer who contributed to the breakout success of Blood, Sweat & Tears, has died at the age of 84.
His publicist confirmed 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’ve made me so happy.
His powerful voice helped make the group one of the most successful groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
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 lived homeless and spent years getting into trouble and in and out of prison.
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 group’s success exploded shortly after. Their albums have sold millions of copies and won several Grammy Awards.
Looking back on 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 this group, we were in shock. It was one of those electric things that happens.”
