Manhattan Transfer says they have "heavy hearts" following the death of the man who helped start the iconic singing group.

Tim Hauser

Tim Hauser founded the group 40 years ago with fellow singers, Laurel Masse, Janis Segal and Alan Paul.

The group started in 1974 and quickly became popular with a combination of jazz, R&B, rock'n'roll, salsa and swing. Their first national hit in America was with the Friendly Brothers' gospel classic Operator in 1975.

The group had just returned from a tour to Israel and Italy.

News of Hauser's passing was released on the group's facebook page.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Tim Hauser's passing with you all. As many of you know, Tim was the visionary behind The Manhattan Transfer.

"We spent more than 40 years together singing and making music, traveling the world, and sharing so many special moments throughout our lives."

Bandmates Janis, Cheryl Bentyne and Alan said it was "incomprehensible to think of this world without him".

"We join his loving wife, Barb, his beautiful children, his family, and the rest of the world in mourning the loss of our dear friend and partner in song."