Steve Martin Caro, founding member of 60’s baroque pop band, The Left Banke, has passed away at the age of 71, on Jan. 16, 2020. It has been confirmed by Marg Finn, former band manager and family friend, that Caro died due to heart disease.

Caro formed The Left Banke in 1965 as a vocalist and occasional drummer. He performed vocals on the 1966 hit songs “Walk Away Renee” and “Pretty Ballerina.”

After the success of the songs, The Left Banke recorded the 1967 album, Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina, with Caro as the lead vocalist. The band then recorded and released their 1968 album, The Left Banke Too, with Caro as the lead vocalist once again, after gaining popularity from their first album.

In 1969, Caro briefly left the band, only to rejoin in 1971. After rejoining, Caro left once again in 1978, which was his final departure from the band.