Latest news with #JohnnyRockandRollRadio
Perth Now
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Legendary '60s star dead at 82
Lou Christie has died at the age of 82. The legendary '60s star - who is best known for the chart-topping 1966 hit Lightnin' Strikes - died on June 17, 2025, at his home in Pittsburgh after a brief illness, his wife, Francesca, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Christie's other hits included The Gypsy Cried, Two Faces Have I, Rhapsody in the Rain, and I'm Gonna Make You Mine. Known for his towering falsetto, the singer-songwriter was born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco and worked as a session vocalist. His stage name was given to him by the producer of The Gypsy Cried, music executive Nick Cenci. At the age of 15, he became friends with Twyla Herbert, a classically trained musician 20 years his senior, who became his regular songwriting partner and wrote hundreds of songs with him over three decades, until her death in 2009. Christie made numerous TV appearances in the '60s, including on Where the Action Is, American Bandstand and The Buddy Deane Show. Christie's 1963 track How Many Teardrops only made it to No. 46 in the US, and his career was stalled by his induction into the Army. His next hit happened to be his biggest, Lightnin' Strikes, released in late 1965, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1966. Christie's hit Rhapsody in the Rain was infamously banned from radio for its racy lyrics, but later returned to the airwaves. Huge names including Sir Elton John and Billy Joel have cited Christie as an influence. Tributes have started rolling in for Christie, with Johnny Rock and Roll Radio writing: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lou Christie, the unforgettable voice behind some of the most iconic soft-rock pop hits of the 1960s. Christie passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 82."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Singer behind some of the most iconic soft-rock and pop hits dies
Lou Christie was the voice behind some of the most iconic soft-rock pop hits, he reached the apex of his professional success in 1966 with the singles Lightnin' Strikes' and Rhapsody in the Rain Singer Lou Christie, who had major hits, including lightning, strikes, and Rhapsody in the rain, has sadly died. Mr Christie was best known for his chart-topping, falsetto-driven hit "Lightnin' Strikes" (1966), which soared to No. 1 in the U.S. Other memorable classics include "The Gypsy Cried", "Two Faces Have I", "Rhapsody in the Rain", and "I'm Gonna Make You Mine" Christie's spouse, Francesca, told The Hollywood Reporter that the singer died at his Pittsburgh home after battling a brief sickness In a tribute posted on Facebook Johnny Rock and Roll Radio posted: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lou Christie, the unforgettable voice behind some of the most iconic soft-rock pop hits of the 1960s. Christie passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 82." It went on to say: "Let's honor Lou Christie by keeping his music alive—spinning his records, sharing his memorable falsettos, and celebrating the timeless spirit of an artist who truly struck lightning in the world of music." Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE. Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The Mirror every time you see our name.
