Three Dog Night Singer Cory Wells Dies

Cory Wells, one of three singers in the “Three Dog Night,” trio, has died. He was 74. Wells was perhaps best known for singing lead vocals on the band’s Top 10 hit “Joy to the World.”

Wells reportedly died unexpectedly Tuesday while at his home in Dunkirk, N.Y. Over the last month the band had postponed several shows citing Wells’ back problems.

Three Dog Night paid tribute to Wells on their Facebook page, with an official statement by Wells’ longtime bandmate Danny Hutton, who wrote, “It is with deep sadness and disbelief that I must report the passing of Cory Wells, my beloved band mate for over 45 years. Cory was an incredible singer – a great performer, he could sing anything.” Wells had been with Three Dog Night since their formation in 1967 in Los Angeles. By 1970, they scored the first of their three No. 1 singles, a cover of Randy Newman‘s “Mama Told Me Not to Come.” A year later they reached the top again with “Joy to the World,” which stayed there for six weeks. In 1972, they made it to No. 1 for the last time with “Black & White.” h/t ultimateclassicrock

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wells’ family, friends and fans at this difficult time.