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Clem Curtis, the former lead vocalist of 1960s soul group The Foundations, has reportedly died.
He was 76.
His death was reported by the BBC, which cited his family, and a cause was not immediately revealed.
Curtis sang on The Foundations’ 1967 megahit “Baby Now That I’ve Found You,” which is believed to be the first chart-topping single in the United Kingdom by a British multiracial band.
He was no longer in the group, however, when the band released its biggest hit, “Build Me Up Buttercup,” in 1968. Colin Young provided lead vocals for that song, which cracked the Top 3 on the Billboard charts in America.
Curtis performed as a solo artist in the 1970s and continued touring in the years leading up to his death.
Born in Trinidad in 1940, Curtis moved to England as a 15-year-old and became a professional boxer. He joined the group that eventually became The Foundations between 1966 and 1967.
Curtis enjoyed considerable success during his relatively brief stint in the band, singing as the lead voice on popular tracks “Back On My Feet Again” and “Any Old Time (You’re Lonely and Sad)” in addition to “Baby Now That I’ve Found You.”
He departed the band in 1968. “Build Me Up Buttercup” was the first major hit that Young, his replacement, performed in the group.
Informally known as The Godfather of English Soul, Curtis traveled to America for his solo career after leaving The Foundations.
He also performed in musicals in London’s West End entertainment district.