Through the vagaries of Canadian content regulations, the band Blood Sweat and Tears became Canadian, although the only member (and not an original member) of the band who is Canadian (born in the UK) was David Clayton Thomas, the singer on most of their hits.  The band was originally led by Al Kooper (not Alice Cooper) and was formed in the 1960’s.  Harry Nilsson sang on their album “Child is Father to the Man“, which contained such classics as “Without Her’ (Nillson) and “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”, by Al Kooper.

After this album, the band underwent a radical line up change as Al Kooper left the band.  Original members Bobby Colomby and Steve Katz began a search for a new singer and based on a recommendation by Judy Collins, who had seen him sing, hired David Clayton Thomas.  Thus, Blood  Sweat and Tears began their career as a Canadian icon.  Their first album as the reformed group, “Blood Sweat and Tears” was a major hit, even beating “Abbey Road” out as album of the year at the 1969 Grammys.  The album contained the hits “You Made Me So Very Happy”, “Spinning Wheel”, and “And When I Die”.

The band has undergone many changes in its lifetime and still maintain a heavy touring schedule.  David Clayton Thomas had 3 stints with the band, 1968 to 1972, 1974 to 1981 and 1984 to 2004.   The band spawned a new genre of rock, outside the acid rock and anti-establishment types of the era.  The bands in this grouping included Chicago, Ides of March and Atlanta Rhythm Section to name a few.

The video is a live version of Spinning Wheel, recorded in 1969.

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