Jay Black, singer for Jay and the Americans, dies at 82

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By JAKE COYLE

NEW YORK (AP) — Jay Black, front man for the 1960s rock band Jay and the Americans, who crooned the soaring vocals to hits like “This Magic Moment,” “Cara Mia” and “Come a Little Bit Closer,” has died. He was 82.

The band announced the death of Black, born David Blatt, in a statement Saturday. Jay and the Americans bandmate and vocalist Sandy Deanne said Black died Friday from complications of pneumonia. Rolling Stone reported that Black had suffered from dementia in recent years.

“We shared both wonderful and very contentious times, and much like an ex-wife, we are so proud of the beautiful children we created,” the band said in a statement. “We’ll always remember The Voice.”

Black joined Jay and the Americans in 1962, replacing the group’s first singer, Jay Traynor. One of their biggest hits was a cover of the Drifters’ “The Magic Moment.” It reached No. 6 on the Billboard charts and sold more than 1 million copies.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-new-york-ce8964a21f3e4123776a8ebda266974c

[TexasTowelie]

1. Oddly enough, I listened to Cara Mia within the past week.

Mr. Black could belt out those high notes.

[sheilahi]

2. What a voice. What a loss.

I LOVED them. Cara Mia was a favorite but also cried many a tear to Through This Doorway. What a voice. What a loss.

[world wide wally]

3. This one brings me way back

My favorite Jay and the Americans tune:

[PlanetBev]

4. "She Cried" was another favorite of mine

I still listen to my CD. What a loss.

[twodogsbarking]

5. RIP and thanks.

Helped make AM radio.

[Kahuna]

6. Awww. He was a great singer. R.I.P., Mr. Black. nt

[BidenRocks]

7. I'm getting too old for this!

I am born in 1955 and it will not get better,
RIP Voice!