“We shared both wonderful and very contentious times, and much like an ex-wife, we are so proud of the beautiful children we created,” the band said in a statement. Rolling Stone reported that Black had suffered from dementia in recent years. Jay and the Americans bandmate and vocalist Sandy Deanne said Black died Friday from complications of pneumonia. The band announced the death of Black, born David Blatt, in a statement Saturday. NEW YORK - Jay Black, front man for the 1960s rock band Jay and the Americans, who crooned the soaring vocals to hits like “This Magic Moment,” “Cara Mia” and “Come a Little Bit Closer,” has died.