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David Clayton-Thomas, lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, dies at 84
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
David Clayton-Thomas, the Grammy Award-winning lead singer for “Blood, Sweat & Tears” whose hits like “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die” and “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” died on Wednesday, his publicist said. He was 84.Read more trending newsEric Alper confirmed that the singer died at a Toron...
Key takeaway David Clayton-Thomas, the unmistakable voice behind "Spinning Wheel," "And When I Die," and "You've Made Me So Very Happy," has died at 84.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
While David Clayton-Thomas' passing may seem like a national music story, his legacy has a tangible connection to Atlanta 's own rich music heritage. As the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Clayton-Thomas' soulful voice and iconic hits like "Spinning Wheel" and "You've Made Me So Very Happy" have undoubtedly influenced generations of musicians in Atlanta. The city's own music scene, which has spawned a diverse range of genres from hip-hop to indie rock, owes a debt to the jazz and blues traditions that Clayton-Thomas embodied. Furthermore, Atlanta's thriving arts and culture community, which includes numerous music venues and festivals, provides a platform for local musicians to pay tribute to Clayton-Thomas' enduring legacy. As the city continues to evolve and grow, it's likely that Clayton-Thomas' music will remain a staple of Atlanta's musical identity, inspiring new artists and fans alike.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? David Clayton-Thomas, the Grammy Award-winning lead singer for “Blood, Sweat & Tears” whose hits like “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die” and “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” died on Wednesday, his publicist said. He was 84.Read more trending newsEric Alper confirmed that the singer died at a Toron...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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