David Clayton-Thomas, best known for being the lead vocalist of the American band Blood, Sweat & Tears, has died at the age of 84. His publicist Eric Alper announced that Clayton-Thomas passed away "peacefully" at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto on Wednesday (June 24), with no cause of death given.
Known for his booming voice, Clayton-Thomas influenced the jazz-rock genre and sold over 40 million records throughout his career.
The musician wrote Spinning Wheel, the band's signature original hit, which climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.
It was one of three Blood, Sweat & Tears songs to reach the runner-up spot that year, alongside When I Die and the ballad You've Made Me So Very Happy.
The band's success culminated in two Grammy Awards in 1970, including Album of the Year.
Growing up, Clayton-Thomas had a troubled relationship with his father and ended up living on the streets at the age of 14.
He had several run-ins with the law during his youth, spending time in a succession of jails and reformatories. At one institution, he picked up a guitar left behind by a departing inmate and taught himself how to play.
By the 1960s, he had devoted himself to his newfound passion for music, performing around Toronto and joining The Shays. Their debut album, David Clayton Thomas and the Shays à Go-Go, was released in 1965.
His career took a defining turn when he joined Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1968, and they released a self-titled album the same year.
It won five Grammys and sold more than ten million copies worldwide.
Clayton-Thomas left the group in 1972, but returned two years later. After departing again in 1982, he rejoined the band in 1984 and remained with it for the next two decades.
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