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Jay Black, singer of rock group Jay and the Americans, has died of pneumonia, his family announced on Saturday. He was 82 years old.
Born in Brooklyn and originally named David Blatt, Black changed his name by joining Jay and the Americans, in which he replaced Jay Traynor. The group’s albums include Come a little closer and Sands of time.
Among the band’s 21 hits were “Only In America”, “Come A Little Bit Closer”, “Cara Mia”, “This Magic Moment” and “Walkin ‘In The Rain”. Fans would call Black “The Voice” because of his impressive vocal range.
The group, which was most active in the 1960s, made numerous appearances on pop radio programs, including Raffut and Where is the action; as well as variety shows such as Tonight’s Show with Johnny Carson and The Merv Griffin Show. In 1964, Jay and the Americans opened for The Beatles on their first concert tour of the United States.
After the band disbanded in 1973, Black continued to perform and often included “Pretty Woman” and “Cryin” in her live as a tribute to music icon Roy Orbison. He also starred in the TV movie Cherry Street Contract, which starred Frank Sinatra and Joe De Santis.
Black is survived by four children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
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