Dick Halligan, a co-founder of Blood, Sweat & Tears, died on January 18 in Rome, Italy, leaving behind his daughter Shana, his son-in-law, Eric, his grandson, Otis, and his stepson, Buddy.

Growing up in Glen Falls, New York, Halligan fell in love with big band music, largely because of Stan Kenton, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller.

He went on to complete his master’s from the Manhattan School of Music in theory and composition and was asked to join Blood, Sweat & Tears by his friend Fred Lipsius, the original saxophonist of the group. Though he initially turned down the offer, Halligan changed his mind when the group was headed towards California – “a place Halligan wanted to see”

The two time Grammy-winning jazz-rock group that was officially formed in 1967, performed at the legendary Woodstock Festival in August 1969.

Halligan, who played a wide range of instruments with Blood, Sweat & Tears, from piano and organ to trombone, flute, and accordion, and co-authored songs like “Redemption” and “Lisa Listen To Me,” decided to part ways with the band in 1971.

The news of his death was confirmed by the daughter of the late multi-instrumentalist, Shana, who reported that her father had passed away at the age of 78 due to natural causes.

(Photo: PEN Music Group)

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