David Clayton-Thomas of band Blood, Sweat & Tears dies

David Clayton-Thomas, the iconic Canadian singer and songwriter best known as the frontman for the rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears, has passed away at the age of 84. His death was confirmed by his publicist to multiple American media outlets, including Variety.

Clayton-Thomas died peacefully at a Toronto hospital on Wednesday evening. While a cause of death was not disclosed, his passing marks the end of an era for fans of the band's distinctive blend of rock, jazz, and blues.

He penned the band's signature song, "Spinning Wheel," which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969. This was one of three major hits for the band that year, alongside "And When I Die" and "You’ve Made Me So Very Happy," both of which also peaked at number two on the prestigious chart.

Blood, Sweat & Tears achieved significant critical and commercial success, earning two Grammy Awards in 1970, including the coveted award for Album of the Year. Born David Henry Thomsett in Surrey, England, in 1941, Clayton-Thomas moved to Canada with his family after World War II, settling outside Toronto.