David Clayton-Thomas, Singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Dies at 84

David Clayton-Thomas, the Canadian singer and songwriter whose soulful voice was ubiquitous on American radio in the late 1960s and early ‘70s as lead singer of the brass-driven group Blood, Sweat & Tears, has died, according to his publicist. No cause of death was cited except that he died peacefully at a Toronto hospital on Wednesday evening; he was 84.

Clayton-Thomas wrote “Spinning Wheel,” the group’s most well-known original composition, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969, one of three songs by the band to reach that mark in that year; “When I Die” and the powerful ballad “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” also reached No. 2, powered by Clayton-Thomas’ unmistakable voice. The group won two Grammys in 1970, including best album.

Part of a wave of soulful, brass-driven rock-soul ensembles, the group’s sound meshed with the R&B acts of the era and more pop-leaning outfits like Chicago. While BS&T scored other hits, their star faded as the ‘70s progressed. However, Clayton-Thomas continued working over the decades, both solo and as a member of later incarnations of the band.

More to come…