formerly of Jay and the Americans." Traynor toured with Jay Siegel's Tokens until shortly before his death on January 2, 2014. Black died on October 22, 2021. In a statement, Jay and the Americans acknowledged that Black and the rest of the group had experienced "very contentious times" but that they respected the success that they achieved with Black as their lead singer. Awards and recognition The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002. Members Current members Sandy Deanne - vocals (1960–1973, 2006–present) Howard Kane - vocals (1960–1973, 2006–present) Marty Sanders - guitar, vocals (1962-1973, 2006–present) Jay Reincke - lead vocals (2006–present) Rick Van Horn - drummer (2013-present) Former members Kenny Vance - vocals (1960–1973) Jay Traynor - lead vocals (1960-1962) (died 2014) Jay Black - lead vocals (1962-2006) (died 2021) Brian Cano - drums (1969-2007) Discography Key: Billboard (BB), Cashbox (CB), and RPM charts peak positions Albums Compilation albums Singles References External links Jay Black's website Jay and the Americans website 'Jay and The Americans' Vocal Group Hall of Fame Page History of Jay and the Americans Descriptions of and lyrics for the songs on the best-of compilation Come a Little Bit Closer Singing "Two of a Kind" in Wild Wild Winter Rock music groups from New York (state) Musical groups established in 1960 Musical groups from Queens, New York American soul musical groups 1960 establishments in New York City