Cory Wells, Three Dog Night singer, dies at 74

DUNKIRK, N.Y., Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Cory Wells, co-founder and singer of the band Three Dog Night, has died at age 74.

Announced on the band's website by fellow band member Danny Hutton, Wells' death Tuesday in Dunkirk, N.Y., was "unexpected." Wells had been performing with the band until September, when he began experiencing severe back pain.

"It is with deep sadness and disbelief that I must report the passing of Cory Wells, my beloved band mate for over 45 years," Hutton said in a release. "Cory was an incredible singer -- a great performer, he could sing anything."

Wells, Hutton and singer Chuck Negron launched the group Three Dog Night in the late 1960s and went on to produce 21 Top 40 hits including "One," "Try A Little Tenderness" and "Joy To The World."

The late singer, born Emil Lewandowski in 1941, joined the U.S. military directly out of high school, meanwhile forming an interracial band inspired by the Del-Vikings. After completing his military duty, Wells returned to his birthplace -- Buffalo, N.Y. -- and formed Cory Wells and the Enemys, which gave him the opportunity to meet Hutton.

Wells is survived by his wife, Mary, daughters Coryann and Dawn, and five grandchildren.