Seals, together with musical partner Darrell “Dash” Crofts, was best known for hits such as “Summer Breeze,” “Diamond Girl” and “Get Closer.”
The musical duo — who met in their native Texas in their teens — got together in the late 1960s, according to the UK’s PA Media news agency. They ranked among a wave of soft-rock groups of the era, including Hall & Oates, America and Bread, as well as England Dan & John Ford Coley.
The pair split in 1980 but reunited in 1991 and then again in 2004, when they released their final album, “Traces.”
Describing Seals as a “dyed in the wool musical genius,” Coley added: “He belonged to a group that was one of a kind. I am very sad over this but I have some of the best memories of all of us together.”
Steve Miller of the Steve Miller Band tweeted: “RIP Jim Seals So long pal, thanks for all the beautiful music. – Steve.”