Ray Sawyer of Dr. Hook Dead at 81

Ray Sawyer of Dr. Hook has died, Page Six is told.

Sawyer, perhaps best known for singing lead vocal on “Cover of Rolling Stone,” passed away in Daytona Beach, Fla., according to his publicist.

No cause of death was given, but we’re told that Sawyer — known for his trademark eye patch and cowboy hat — suffered a brief illness from which he didn’t recover.

We’re told Sawyer, 81, stopped performing around three years ago due to declining health.

Sawyer appeared on a string of hits in the ’70s and ’80s, including  “Sylvia’s Mother,” “A Little Bit More,” “Only Sixteen,” “Walk Right In,””Sharing the Night Together,” “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman,” “Better Love Next Time” and “Sexy Eyes.”