RIP Cory Wells of Three Dog Night/Redwood

[SurfRiderHawaii]

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/cory-wells-dies/

Infamous BB connection but Mods feel free to move this. Three Dog Night was a favorite band. Sad to hear this news.

From CNN:   http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/21/entertainment/three-dog-night-cory-wells-dead-feat/index.html

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.

Three Dog Night was distinctive for having three lead singers: Wells, Hutton and Chuck Negron. They drew from a variety of influences, Wells and Hutton told CNN in 2004.

"I loved Little Richard. ... And folkie-Celtic European kinds of things," the Ireland-born Hutton said.

"I was a big fan of black gospel," added Wells. "As a kid there were black groups I sang with from my teen years to my early 20s."

That breadth allowed them to draw from many sources. In its prime, Three Dog Night was known for spotlighting then little-known or rising songwriters, including Randy Newman ("Mama Told Me"), Harry Nilsson ("One"), Laura Nyro ("Eli's Coming"), Hoyt Axton ("Joy to the World") and Leo Sayer ("The Show Must Go On").

"Our focus was on good music, instead of a theme," Hutton said. "The songs came from everywhere -- demos that came in, friends."

Negron left the band in 1977, and Wells and Hutton embarked on other things. For a time, Wells said, he lived in famed arranger Nelson Riddle's old house, getting the place over a rival when Riddle told the real estate agent, "Sell it to the musician."

Wells was born Emil Lewandowski on February 2, 1941. An Air Force veteran, he formed rock bands after his service in the early '60s and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he met Hutton, then a solo singer.

The group's success with singles sometimes led critics to be dismissive. (Three Dog Night is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.) But, Wells told CNN, it was record buyers who made the individual songs popular.

"We never released a single. We released albums," he said. "The public picked the singles."

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

[Emily]

Oh, shame. They were a great group.

[Lee Marshall]

NOT the kind of news I like to hear.  3 Dog Night meant something to me right from their excellent debut hit 'One' on...  I worked with Danny and Cory [no Chuck] back in the mid 80s.  Spent several days at it.  Although it was Danny and I together for the most part...interviews, a live radio show and then the performances at the Imperial Room/Royal York Hotel...Cory was certainly there, participating, talented and quite a decent fella.  I too was a fan.  Right from the first album on...which was pretty much their 'show' at the time.  Captured Live at the Forum followed.  Those boys could [also] sing.  Seems I like good vocals.  Who knew?

[Paul J B]

Bummer. Cory had a great voice and was the soul of Three Dog Night. Saw them when they reunited in the early 80's a few times and really glad I did. Great band, great songs, great singing. Think I'll listen to their version of Time To Get Alone right now.

[Lonely Summer]

I saw them in 83 and 84, all 3 guys, and again in 95, just Cory and Danny. It was still a great show, though, easy to forget how many hits they had back in the day.

[SurfRiderHawaii]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cqBvxvE5SNo

"Time to Get Alone", when they were Redwood, produced by Brian I believe.

[Phoenix]

Such a shame.  He had a great voice and was my favorite "Dog". 

[Lonely Summer]

Such a shame.  He had a great voice and was my favorite "Dog". 

From what I have read, Cory was the most grounded of the Three. Never got into drugs and all that. So he goes first? Does not make any sense to me.

[SurfRiderHawaii]

Apparently, Cory had been battling cancer. I wonder if Brian is still in touch with Danny?

Quite a good article here on Cory, his life, last days and career:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/chautauqua-county/rock-star-cory-wells-was-fighting-cancer-apparently-died-of-infection-family-says-20151023

[Jay]

Jimmy Greenspoon was diagnosed with the very same cancer in September of last year.

[SurfRiderHawaii]

Posted by Brian on his Facebook page:

 "Cory was one of the nicest guys and greatest singers I have ever heard. He was especially great on "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)." I will miss him very much. My sincerest condolences go to Danny and Cory's families. Love & Mercy, Brian"

[HeyJude]

Mike also posted on his Facebook page:

We lost a great musician and a special friend. RIP Cory, you will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends...your contribution to American music will live on forever. Simply put, you brought "Joy to the World!"
 Peace and Love,
 ML