Jay Black, lead singer of the 1960s group Jay and the Americans, might have to relinquish his name - and the band’s - to help pay off $500,000 US in back taxes.

Lawyers for the bankruptcy trustee handling the case recommended this week that the name Jay and the Americans be auctioned. They also have proposed barring Black, born David Blatt, from performing as Jay Black or Jay Black and the Americans.

Black, 67, said that gambling plunged him into debt but that he has conquered the habit. He will consider selling Jay and the Americans, but he must retain Jay Black and the Americans so he can continue to tour, he said

Posted: 05|7|06 at 5:32 pm. Filed under: US News.