David Clayton-Thomas, voice of Blood, Sweat & Tears, dies aged 84

David Clayton-Thomas, lead singer best known for his time in Blood, Sweat & Tears, has died aged 84. The singer passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at St. Michael's Hospital, in Toronto, Canada. The information was confirmed by his publicist, Eric Alper, who highlighted Clayton-Thomas' vocal strength and his trajectory marked by overcoming, success and enormous influence on music. Born in Surrey, England, in 1941, David Clayton-Thomas moved to Toronto with his family at a young age after the Second World War. His youth was marked by difficulties, including problems with the law and periods living on the streets. The turning point in his life came when he received an old guitar from another inmate during a stint in prison. From that moment on, music became his path of transformation. In the 1960s, he began performing in Toronto and formed David Clayton-Thomas and the Shays, releasing their first album in 1965. Shortly afterwards, he moved to New York, where he caught the attention of Judy Collins. She was the one who suggested her name to Bobby Colomby, from Blood, Sweat & Tears, paving the way for her to join the band. With Clayton-Thomas on vocals, the group released the album "Blood, Sweat & Tears" in 1968, which completely changed their trajectory. The album won five Grammys, including Album of the Year, and sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Her powerful voice helped transform songs like "Spinning Wheel", "You've Made Me So Very Happy" and "And When I Die" into classics of the fusion between rock, jazz and soul. Throughout his career, Clayton-Thomas sold more than 40 million records and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. He also received a Juno Award for his contribution to Canadian music. After leaving and returning to Blood, Sweat & Tears at different stages, he pursued a solo career and continued releasing music until his final years. His latest album, "Say Somethin'", was released in 2019. David Clayton-Thomas leaves behind two daughters, Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham, as well as a legacy that spans generations.