Cory Wells, Three Dog Night Singer, Dies At 74

Cory Wells, one of the lead singers for the band Three Dog Night, died Tuesday in New York. He was 74.

Cory Wells Dies

Wells’ death was announced by fellow Three Dog Night singer, Danny Hutton, on the band’s website.

“It is with deep sadness and disbelief that I must report the passing of Cory Wells, my beloved bandmate for over 45 years. Cory was an incredible singer – a great performer, he could sing anything,” Hutton wrote. “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 had continued playing with Three Dog Night up until last month, when severe back pain sidelined him indefinitely and forced the band to postpone several shows, according to CNN. It’s uncertain if the cause of the back pain had anything to do with his sudden death.

After serving in the Air Force, Wells, born Emil Lewandowski, attempted to start a rock band. Upon moving to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, he met Hutton, then a solo singer. After the two found Chuck Negron, they became Three Dog Night.

Three Dog Night was in its heyday during the early 70s, when they had three No. 1 singles – “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World” and “Black and White.” Their “Joy to the World” single ended up being the song of the year in 1971.

Three Dog Night had 12 gold albums.

Wells is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary, two daughters and five grandchildren.