Cory Wells, one of the lead singers in the popular ’60s and ’70s band Three Dog Night, has died, the band said Wednesday.
“It is with deep sadness and disbelief that I must report the passing of Cory Wells, my beloved bandmate for over 45 years,” said fellow Three Dog Night singer Danny Hutton in a statement on the band’s website, threedognight.com. “Cory was like a brother in so many ways. We had been together since 1965 and I am in shock at this sudden loss.”
Wells, 74, a native of Buffalo, New York, died Tuesday at his home in Dunkirk, about an hour southwest of his hometown.
He left the band last month when he developed severe back pain, the band said in the statement. The band postponed several shows because of his ailment.
At one point in the early 1970s, Three Dog Night was perhaps the most popular band in the United States. The group had three No. 1 singles — “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World” and “Black and White” — and seven other Top 10 hits, Including “One,” “An Old Fashioned Love Song” and “Never Been to Spain.” “Joy to the World” was Billboard’s No. 1 song of the year in 1971.
The band also had 12 gold albums.
Wells is survived by Mary, his wife of 50 years, two daughters and five grandchildren.
