Jay and the Americans singer Jay Black has died at the age of 82 from pneumonia complications.

Black’s family confirmed that he passed away on Friday night, October 22. In recent years, Black also suffered from dementia.

“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,” read a statement published on Jay and the Americans’ Facebook page. “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 joined Jay and the Americans in 1962, replacing the band’s first singer, Jay Traynor. The band recorded several hits, including “Come a Little Bit Closer,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart in 1964, “Cara Mia” in 1965 and “This Magic Moment” in 1969.

Jay and the Americans also notably served as the opening act for the Beatles‘ first U.S. concert in 1964 in Washington, D.C.

Black is survived by four children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

(Photo: United Artists Records/Lew Futterman)

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