Ronald "Bingo" Mundy, best known for his work with the doo-wop group The Marcels and their hit Blue Moon, has died aged 76.
Mundy lived in Pittsburgh and died of pneumonia at Allegheny General Hospital on Friday.
The five-member vocal group reportedly recorded the song in two takes.
Blue Moon is instantly recognisable for the bass vocals that begin the song - "Bom ba ba bom ba bom ba bom bom".
Mundy can be heard singing the background refrain of "Moon moon moon moon moon".
The single hit No 1 on the Billboard charts in 1961.
The Odell Robinson Jr Funeral Home confirmed the death along with family members who spoke with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which first reported it on Tuesday.