Brooklyn-born vocalist Jay Black, who churned out enduring anthems as the lead singer of the rock band Jay and the Americans, died Friday at age 82.
His death was confirmed Saturday by his longtime group, with fellow band members saying Black died of complications from pneumonia.
Known as “The Voice,” Black joined the popular 1960s band several years after its formation and was the lead singer during the heights of the group’s success.
The band, which originated in New York, released hits such as “Cara Mia” and “Come a Little Bit Closer” following the addition of Black. He provided the vocals for Jay and the Americans’ cover of “This Magic Moment,” originally recorded by the Drifters.
Black, whose real name was David Blatt, was born in Astoria, Queens, but grew up in Borough Park, Brooklyn, and was brought up in the Orthodox Jewish tradition. His first public performance was at Temple Beth-El.
“Today, we mourn the passing of David Blatt a/k/a Jay Black and we acknowledge the great successes we had with him both as a partner and as a lead singer,” the band wrote on Facebook.
“We shared both wonderful and very contentious times, and much like an ex-wife, we are so proud of the beautiful children we created. We’ll always remember The Voice.”
Black replaced original singer John “Jay” Traynor in 1962.
Black’s version of “This Magic Moment” sold more than 1 million copies and soared to the No. 6 spot on the Billboard chart.
Jay and the Americans performed as the opening act for the Beatles in 1964 during the British band’s first concert in the United States, in Washington, D.C., according to Billboard.
Black performed as a solo act after Jay and the Americans split in 1973. His final concert was in 2017.
With News Wire Services
