The hitmaker known for singles ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’ and ‘Hooked on a Feeling’ has passed away at the age of 78 following his struggle with Stage 4 lung cancer.

AceShowbiz -“Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” singer B.J. Thomas has died, two months after revealing he was battling Stage 4 lung cancer.

The hitmaker announced his diagnosis via a statement on 23 March (21), thanking his family and fans for their support.

“I just wanted to take this unique opportunity to share my gratitude to Gloria, my wonderful wife and my rock for over 53 years, my family, friends, and fans,” Thomas wrote. “I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to record and perform beautiful songs in pop, country, and gospel music, and to share those wonderful songs and memories around the world with millions of you.”

“I ask all of you for your prayers during this time and that my music can live on with you.”

The five-time Grammy winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee passed away on Saturday (29May21) at his home in Arlington, Texas. He was 78. Thomas also picked up CMA and Dove awards and sold more than 70 million albums worldwide. He was also a member of the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee.

As well as the “Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid” theme, “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My head”, Thomas also scored hits with “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song”, and “Hooked on a Feeling”, as well as “Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love”, and “New Looks From an Old Lover”.

Born in Oklahoma, he moved to Texas as a child and began singing in church. In 1966 he recorded his version of Hank Williams‘ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, which would become his first million-selling hit. Two years later, he had another million-seller, the catchy “Hooked on a Feeling”.

Dionne Warwick introduced Thomas to songwriter Burt Bacharach, and the pair collaborated on “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”, which was co-written by Hal David. The tune featured in “Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid” and landed the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Thomas dabbled with drugs at the height of his fame but bounced back as a born-again Christian and released the gospel album “Home Where I Belong” in the mid 1970s, earning the singer a Grammy and the first of two Dove awards. The album became the first gospel record to sell a million copies.

In 1976, his “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts, and picked up the Grammy for Best Country Song.

Thomas also recorded the theme song to the hit U.S. TV series “Growing Pains“.

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