HOWIE KANE, 1941-2023

Howie Kane of pop hitmakers Jay and the Americans has died. The news was announced on the group's Facebook page. He was 81.

Kane, born Howard Kirschenbaum, joined the band in 1960 and served as a vocalist until 1973. During that period the band scored such hits as "Come a Little Bit Closer" and "This Magic Moment." He returned in 2006 and remained with Jay and the Americans until his death.

"Jay and The Americans have lost a piece of their history," reads the band's post. "One of the original Americans, Howie Kane, AKA The Chick Magnet, has passed. Howie was more than just an original member; he was a good friend to everyone who knew him. His easygoing personality both on and off the stage was cherished by all of the other members of the group. On behalf of Sandy [Deanne], Marty [Sanders], and I [John "Jay" Traynor], our hearts are broken, but Howie's spirit will still be on the stage with us as we move forward."