The Joy to the World singer's death was confirmed by bandmate Danny Hutton, who released a statement honouring his late friend on Wednesday (21Oct15).

He writes, "It is with deep sadness and disbelief that I must report the passing of Cory Wells, my beloved band mate for over 45 years. Cory was an incredible singer - a great performer, he could sing anything. 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, who passed away on Tuesday (20Oct15), was a founding member of Three Dog Night, who enjoyed success in the 1970s with songs like Mama Told Me (Not to Come), Black and White and Joy to the World.

The band scored 21 top 40 hits in the U.S. and 11 Billboard 200 top 20 albums.

According to Billboard.com, Wells stopped performing in September (15) after developing severe back pain. Details of his death have not been released.