We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Black’s family said in a statement on Saturday that he passed away shortly the night before from pneumonia complications. According to Rolling Stone, the artist likewise battled dementia in recent years. He was 82 years old at the time.
His death was announced in a statement on the band’s official Facebook page on Saturday, “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.”
“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,” the band’s post ended, referring to a moniker given to him by his bandmates in recognition of his vocal abilities.
Jay Black was the lead vocalist of the 1960s band “Jay and the Americans,” which peaked in popularity during that decade. They were popular enough on its own to play for the Beatles at their concert in Washington, D.C. back in 1964.
“Cara Mia,” “Come a Little Bit Closer,” and “This Magic Moment” were among the band’s many hits. Although the band officially split in 1973, he continued to perform as a solo artist until 2017.
Reactions to Singer Jay Black Has Died At The Age Of 82
RIP Jay Black (David Blatt) of Jay & the Americans who died today. Here’s a photo I took of him (right) with band mate Kenny Vance in 1969, Lincoln NE.
@SoozNebr
RIP Jay Black (David Blatt) of Jay & the Americans who died today. Here’s a photo I took of him (right) with band mate Kenny Vance in 1969, Lincoln NE. pic.twitter.com/rVH9RE0hSU
— Susan Petersen (@SoozNebr) October 23, 2021
RIP Jay Black of Jay & The Americans, born David Blatt in 1938. We just talked about him on yesterday’s Rock & Roll History Show!
@HudsonRivRadio
RIP Jay Black of Jay & The Americans, born David Blatt in 1938. We just talked about him on yesterday’s Rock & Roll History Show! pic.twitter.com/c2JBfwH1Yg
— Hudson River Radio (@HudsonRivRadio) October 23, 2021
A lot of my favorite musicians weren’t gifted mainly as singers (Tom Waits, Warren Zevon, etc.), but a few were (Orbison). Jay Black (David Blatt) was one of the best vocalists I’ve ever seen live. R.I.P.
@waitsfan2
A lot of my favorite musicians weren’t gifted mainly as singers (Tom Waits, Warren Zevon, etc.), but a few were (Orbison).
— waitsfan (@waitsfan2) October 23, 2021
Jay Black (David Blatt) was one of the best vocalists I’ve ever seen live. R.I.P. https://t.co/raH1ols2Cr
Jay Black of Jay and The American's passed away. He was 82. I loved that song "Those Magic Moment's" He died from complications of pneumonia.
@maryzorian2
Jay Black of Jay and The American's passed away. He was 82. I loved that song "Those Magic Moment's" He died from complications of pneumonia.
— Mary Zorian /GETTR @maryzorian/ (@maryzorian2) October 24, 2021
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jay Black of Jay and the Americans. Big voice
@horn_sco
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jay Black of Jay and the Americans. Big voice
— sco horn (Scott) (@horn_sco) October 24, 2021
Just announced by his family Jay Black of Jay and the Americans passed away. A great voice a nice guy a fabulous entertainer who gave so many of us from his generation great memories over the years he will surely be missed by all of us may he rest in peace
@ggman1851
Just announced by his family Jay Black of Jay and the Americans passed away. A great voice a nice guy a fabulous entertainer who gave so many of us from his generation great memories over the years he will surely be missed by all of us may he rest in peace
— Gary (@ggman1851) October 23, 2021
RIP Jay Black
@tonyv1962
RIP Jay Black pic.twitter.com/YAdgJeAXIg
— tonyv1962 (@tonyv1962) October 23, 2021
Sad News,Jay Black,A Great Performer for many years with Jay Black and the Americans has assed away at 82.#rocknroll #singer #1960s #RIPJayBlack
@sigg20
Sad News,Jay Black,A Great Performer for many years with
— Tom's Old Days (@sigg20) October 24, 2021
Jay Black and the Americans has assed away at 82.#rocknroll #singer #1960s #RIPJayBlack pic.twitter.com/iR4c6kVvGJ
Two good actors and two good musicians passed this week. James Michael Tyler from Friends, Peter Solari from Newhart, Jay Black from Jay and the Americans and Sonny Osborne from the Osborne Brothers.
@guitarmantoo
Two good actors and two good musicians passed this week. James Michael Tyler from Friends, Peter Solari from Newhart, Jay Black from Jay and the Americans and Sonny Osborne from the Osborne Brothers. pic.twitter.com/qUBF3HQU0b
— Ray Betts 🎸🎨🐾🐕🚣🏾♀️ (@guitarmantoo) October 24, 2021
It’s 2:48 AM on the East Coast. Milton out. RIP Jay Black.
@mfletcher530
It’s 2:48 AM on the East Coast.
— Milton Fletcher (@mfletcher530) October 24, 2021
Milton out.
RIP Jay Black. pic.twitter.com/qsJg0EymsB