David Clayton-Thomas, singer of Blood, Sweat and Tears, has died
David Clayton-Thomas, singer of Blood, Sweat and Tears, has died
Chris Jordan, Asbury Park PressThu, June 25, 2026 at 4:52 PM UTC
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David Clayton-Thomas, whose booming baritone gave voice to Blood, Sweat and Tears hits “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die,” and “You've Made Me So Very Happy,” has died.
He was 84.
Thomas, who often performed at the former Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, now known as the PNC Bank Arts Center, died peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, June 24, at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, according to his publicist.
Thomas, a native of Canada, was a member of the band the Shays when folk singer Judy Collins heard his voice in a New York City nightclub. She suggested to Blood, Sweat and Tears drummer Bobby Colomby to bring him on board and the band's self-titled 1968 debut album was a smash, selling more than eight million copies.
The album, which contained the band's signature hits, won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, besting the Beatles' “Abbey Road.”
Blood, Sweat and Tears headlined Madison Square Garden and toured behind the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe at the request of the U.S. State Department.
Clayton-Thomas left the band in 1972, returned a few years later and then stayed until 2004.
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Clayton-Thomas released nearly a dozen solo albums under his own name. His final album was 2020's “Say Somethin',” which followed a politically charged single called “Ode to Donald.”
“We have that forum and it's up to us to speak out,” said Clayton-Thomas to the CBC in 2017. “It's our duty.”
Clayton-Thomas lived in Toronto in his later years. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and received a special Juno Award for his outstanding contribution to Canadian music.
Clayton-Thomas is survived by his daughters, Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham. A memorial concert celebrating his life and music will be held at a later date with proceeds benefiting Peacebuilders Canada, a cause close to his heart.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at cjordan@app.com
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: David Clayton-Thomas, vocalist of Blood, Sweat and Tears, has died
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
