Dick Halligan dead at 78: Blood, Sweat & Tears star passes away from natural causes

BLOOD, Sweat & Tears star Dick Halligan has passed away from natural causes at the age of 78.

Halligan was the founder of the New York City-based jazz-rock band, which was popular in the Sixties and Seventies.

The musician's daughter, Shana, confirmed his death in a statement to People.

Halligan passed away on January 18 in Rome, Italy.

Blood, Sweat & Tears came together in 1967 with Halligan, Fred Lipsius, Al Kooper, Jerry Weiss, Randy Brecker, Steve Katz, Jim Fielder, and Bobby Colomby as the original founding members.

The band earned their first Grammy Award in 1970, taking home album of the year for their self-titled album, Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Their album went quadruple platinum, selling more than four million units in the US and Canada.

Halligan played the piano, organ, trombone, flute, and accordion for the band's first four albums.

Halligan eventually left the band in 1971 after recording their fourth album when the band began to shift to more rock-oriented music.

According to Syracuse.com, Halligan turned his talents to composing and performing in various jazz and classical groups.

Halligan is survived by his daughter Shana, his son-in-law, Eric, his grandson, Otis, and his stepson, Buddy.