Ray Thomas, vocalist for British group the Moody Blues, has died suddenly aged 76 just months before the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“It is with profound sorrow and sadness that Cherry Red Records and Esoteric Recordings regret to announce that Ray Thomas, founder member, flautist and vocalist of the Moody Blues, passed away suddenly at his home in Surrey on Thursday 4th January 2018,” his record label Cherry Red Records and Esoteric Recordings said in a statement.

“We are deeply shocked by his passing and will miss his warmth, humour and kindness.

“It was a privilege to have known and worked with him and our thoughts are with his family and his wife Lee at this sad time.”

In 2014, Thomas revealed on his website that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

He said he received his diagnosis in 2013, writing: “My cancer was inoperable but I have a fantastic doctor who immediately started me on a new treatment that has had 90 per cent success rate.”

“The cancer is being held in remission but I’ll be receiving this treatment for the rest of my life.”

Born on December 29, 1941, Thomas started out in blues and soul groups in the 1960s and later formed The Moody Blues alongside Mike Pinder, Denny Laine, Graeme Edge and Clint Warwick.

The band had four top 10 albums in Australia and nine in their homeland, three of which reached No.1.

The rock band’s hits include Go Now, Nights In White Satin, which reached No.8 in Australia in 1967, and Question.

Thomas also enjoyed solo success with albums From Mighty Oaks and Hopes Wishes And Dreams.

The Moody Blues, including Thomas, were to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

– AAP