Blood Sweat and Tears Singer David Clayton-Thomas Dies at 84

TORONTO (AP) - David Clayton-Thomas, lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears and writer of hits like "Spinning Wheel," died Wednesday at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. He was 84.

His publicist confirmed the death Thursday but did not provide a cause. Plans are underway for a memorial benefit concert in his honor to support Peacebuilders Canada, a youth restorative justice group he supported for years.

Clayton-Thomas began as a solo performer, gaining recognition in Canada with the 1966 anti-war song "Brainwashed." He joined Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1968 after founding member Al Kooper left. The band soon reached the Billboard Hot 100 with "Spinning Wheel," "And When I Die," and "You've Made Me So Very Happy," each peaking at No. 2 in 1969.

He helped bring other songs into the top 40, including "Hi-De-Ho" in 1970 and "Go Down Gamblin'" in 1971. Clayton-Thomas left the band in 1972, the same year his self-titled solo album charted on the Billboard 200. He later returned and remained with Blood, Sweat & Tears until 2004.

After leaving the band, Clayton-Thomas released several solo albums, including "Aurora" (2005), "The Evergreens" (2008), "Soul Ballads" (2010), "A Blues for the New World" (2013), "Combo" (2016), "Canadiana" (2016), "Mobius" (2018), and "Say Somethin'" (2020).

He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, won a Juno Award, and received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.

Survivors include his daughters, Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham.