Robert John, the singer-songwriter best known for his No. 1 hit Sad Eyes, has passed away at the age of 79.

His son, Michael Pedrick, confirmed his death to Rolling Stone, stating that John died on Monday, Feb. 24. While no immediate cause of death was provided, the musician had been in recovery following a stroke he suffered several years ago.

Born Robert John Pedrick Jr. on January 3, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, he began his music career at an early age, showcasing a passion for singing and songwriting.

John’s first taste of success came in the late 1950s when, as a teenager, he recorded under the name Bobby Pedrick Jr. His early singles, such as White Bucks and Saddle Shoes, demonstrated his smooth vocal style. By the 1960s, he had adopted the stage name Robert John and continued to develop his career, releasing a series of singles that saw moderate success.

His breakthrough moment arrived in 1972 when he recorded a cover of The Tokens’ The Lion Sleeps Tonight, which became a Top 20 hit. However, it was in 1979 that he achieved his biggest success with Sad Eyes, a soulful ballad that soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song secured his place in pop music history, marking him as a significant voice in the soft rock and pop ballad genre of the era.

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, John continued to write and record music, though he never replicated the massive success of Sad Eyes. Over the past few decades, John lived in Las Vegas with his family and performed every once in a while.

He is survived by his four sons, multiple grandsons, his former wife, Diane, and his partner, Susan.

Rest In Peace.