David Clayton-Thomas, a homeless Toronto runaway who learned guitar in prison and went on to become the lead singer of the gritty, blues-inspired band Blood, Sweat & Tears, whose songs like “Spinning Wheel” and covers like “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” neared the top of the Billboard charts, died on Wednesday in Toronto. He was 84. His publicist, Eric Alper, confirmed the death, at a hospital, but did not provide a cause. Mr. Clayton-Thomas joined Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1968, shortly after it formed, and quickly became an indelible part of the group and crucial to its popularity. A self-taught, charismatic frontman with a burly physique and a snarling, bluesy tenor, he stood out in a nine-member ensemble filled with jazz- and conservatory-trained musicians. https://variety.com/2026/music/news/david-clayton-thomas-dead-blood-sweat-tears-1236790361/ #spinningwheel #bloodsweatandtears