On Tuesday (6.23,) Canadian singer, David Clayton-Thomas, who fronted American jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears passed away at the age of 84.
In a statement, the musician’s publicist Eric Alper said Clayton-Thomas died peacefully at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, adding:
“One of the most recognizable voices of his generation, Clayton-Thomas sang the hell out of every song he touched, soaring and sunny one moment, a deep and somber shade of blue the next.” “Over a career that carried him from the streets of Toronto to the stage at Woodstock and beyond.”
In the 1960s, Clayton-Thomas launched his music career in Toronto before joining The Shays who released its debut LP, David Clayton Thomas and the Shays à Go-Go, in 1965.
Subsequently relocating to New York City, the iconic singer auditioned for Blood, Sweat & Tears and went on to become the band’s frontman when the act dropped its self-titled second LP in 1968, winning five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
In 1972, Clayton-Thomas left the group before returning in 1974. He departed for a second time in 1981, although the break proved short-lived as he rejoined in 1984 for a two-decade long stint.
Throughout his career, the hitmaker was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1996, and his 1969 signature hit, ‘Spinning Wheel,’ was also inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.
Clayton-Thomas is survived by his daughters, Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Columbia Records – Public Domain