Jim Seals, half of US soft rock duo Seals and Crofts, has died aged 80.

The iconic duo were best known for their hits 'Summer Breeze,' 'Diamond Girl,' and 'Get Closer.'

His death was announced by friends and family yesterday, in which he was described as a "musical genius' and a "contemplative man".

After forming in the late '60s, Seals and Crofts were among the wave of soft-rock groups that emerged, along with groups such as Hall and Oates, America, and Bread.

The duo disbanded back in 1980 before reuniting in 1991, and then again in 2004 to release their final album Traces.

Long time friend John Ford Coley, most known for his partnership in the musical duo England Dan & John Ford Coley, posted a tribute to Seals on Facebook.

He said: "I spent a large portion of my musical life with this man. We toured together, he and Dash invited us to sing on Seals and Crofts records, and we played with him for years.

"He was Dan’s older brother, it was Jimmy that gave Dan and me our stage name, he taught me how to juggle, made me laugh, pissed me off, encouraged me, showed me amazing worlds and different understandings on life, especially on a philosophical level, showed me how expensive golf was and how to never hit a golf ball because next came the total annihilation of a perfectly good golf club and the list goes on and on."

"He belonged to a group that was one of a kind.

"I am very sad over this but I have some of the best memories of all of us together. Rest In Peace Jimmy."

Tributes are pouring in all over social media and condolences are being sent to his wife, Ruby, and their three children.

Revisit some of their iconic tracks below.