'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head' singer BJ Thomas passes away at 78

BJ Thomas, best known for singing 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head' from the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, has died at the age of 78.

The renowned singer's official Twitter account confirmed the news that he had passed away at his home in Arlington, Texas earlier today.

In March this year, the five-time Grammy winner announced via his social media accounts that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and was receiving treatment.

It is with profound sadness we confirm the passing of BJ Thomas. pic.twitter.com/l2zrmtfmKw

— BJ Thomas (@TheBJThomas) May 29, 2021

Born in Hugo, Oklahoma, Billy Joe Thomas grew up in Heuston, Texas.

His first major hit was a cover of Hank Williams' 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry' with his band Thomas and The Triumphs.

He also recorded the original version of the song 'Hooked On A Feeling' (later made famous by Swedish rock group Blue Swede) in 1968.

In 1969 he recorded 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head', written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, for the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The song won an Oscar for 'Best Original Song' in 1970, and Thomas was also nominated for a Grammy for 'Best Male Pop Vocal Performance' that same year.

Other hits included  'I Just Can’t Help Believing' in 1970, 'Rock And Roll Lullaby' in 1972 and '(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song' in 1975.

For five years in a row, he won Grammys for 'Best Inspirational Performance' (1977-79, 1981) and 'Best Gospel Performance' (1980).

After struggling with addiction and drug abuse, Thomas converted to Christianity in the mid-70s.

His last album, The Living Room Sessions, was released in 2013.