AceShowbiz -

Tim Hauser, a member and founder of Grammy-winning group Manhattan Transfer, died on Thursday, October 16. He was 72. The band's representative, JoAnn Geffen, confirmed on Friday that the singer passed away from cardiac arrest.

Tim's sister Fayette told The New York Times that the singer "had been taken to a hospital in Elmira, New York, with pneumonia shortly after arriving in nearby Corning for a scheduled performance and was later moved to a hospital in Sayre, where he died."

Manhattan Transfer's members Alan Paul, Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne paid tribute to Tim in a statement, "Tim was the visionary behind The Manhattan Transfer. It's incomprehensible to think of this world without him."

Tim first formed the group in 1969 with Erin Dickins, Marty Nelson, Gene Pistilli and Pat Rosali. The line-up lasted until 1973. Tim then formed second line-up with Alan, Janis and Laurel Masse. In 1978, Laurel was badly injured in a car accident and was then replaced by Cheryl.

Manhattan Transfer, who is known for their songs like "Operator" and "The Boy From New York City", have won 10 Grammy Awards. Their album "Vocalese" received an impressive 12 Grammy nominations, making it second only to Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" as the most nominated album ever.

Tim is survived by his wife Barb Sennet Hauser, son Basie and daughter Lily.

Despite Tim's passing, Manhattan Transfer will continue their tour. Their next concert is scheduled for October 23 in Manchester, New Hampshire.