Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Blood, Sweat & Tears was an American group, formed in New York City in 1967, which fused jazz and rock or pop into a hybrid of what came to be known as “jazz-rock”. They are considered, by and large, to be the first or among the first of this genre of music. Somewhat unlike what became known as “jazz fusion” or simply as “fusion” (which often tended more toward virtuostic displays of electronic experimentation and amodal music), Blood, Sweat & Tears’ sound was more a merging of the varied stylings of rock, pop and R&B/soul with big band or combo jazz.

The band was originally named and led by Al Kooper. Kooper left the band (as did the group’s trumpet players, Randy Brecker and Jerry Weiss) after the first album was recorded. The second album, entitled “Blood, Sweat, and Tears” was a big popular success. A large amount of their success was due to the unique voice and stylings of Canadian lead singer David Clayton-Thomas (who left the band in 1972, to return in 1974 and again in 1984). Blood, Sweat & Tears has had many personnel changes: there are over 150 band members listed on wikipedia.