Latest news with #LouChristie
Perth Now
4 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."
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Lou Christie dead: Lightnin' Strikes & Rhapsody in the Rain singer has died at 82 after battling short illness
ICONIC songwriter Lou Christie has died, aged 82. The Lightnin' Strikes & Rhapsody in the Rain singer passed away at his home in Pittsburgh after battling a short illness, his wife said. 1 The artist reached number one of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 with the catchy single Lightin' Strikes. And he had another top 20 hit that year with 'Rhapsody in the Rain,' considered overly raunchy at the time. He died on Wednesday aged 82, his wife Francesca told The Hollywood Reporter. The renowned singer was known for his signature falsetto, and he broke onto the scene with two songs in 1963 with the two tunes The Gypsy Cried and Two Faces Have I. Both tracks were written in collaboration with the late Twyla Herbert - a long-time work partner. .
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lou Christie dead: Lightnin' Strikes & Rhapsody in the Rain singer has died at 82 after battling short illness
STAR LOST Lou Christie dead: Lightnin' Strikes & Rhapsody in the Rain singer has died at 82 after battling short illness Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ICONIC songwriter Lou Christie has died, aged 82. The Lightnin' Strikes & Rhapsody in the Rain singer passed away at his home in Pittsburgh after battling a short illness, his wife said. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 1 Lou Christie has died, aged 82 The artist reached number one of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 with the catchy single Lightin' Strikes. And he had another top 20 hit that year with 'Rhapsody in the Rain,' considered overly raunchy at the time. He died on Wednesday aged 82, his wife Francesca told The Hollywood Reporter. The renowned singer was known for his signature falsetto, and he broke onto the scene with two songs in 1963 with the two tunes The Gypsy Cried and Two Faces Have I. Both tracks were written in collaboration with the late Twyla Herbert - a long-time work partner. More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos. Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Lou Christie dead: Lightnin' Strikes & Rhapsody in the Rain singer has died at 82 after battling short illness
ICONIC songwriter Lou Christie has died, aged 82. The Lightnin' Strikes & Rhapsody in the Rain singer passed away at his home in Pittsburgh after battling a short illness, his wife said. Advertisement 1 Lou Christie has died, aged 82 The artist reached number one of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 with the catchy single Lightin' Strikes. And he had another top 20 hit that year with 'Rhapsody in the Rain,' considered overly raunchy at the time. He died on Wednesday aged 82, his wife Francesca told The Hollywood Reporter. The renowned singer was known for his signature falsetto, and he broke onto the scene with two songs in 1963 with the two tunes The Gypsy Cried and Two Faces Have I. Advertisement Both tracks were written in collaboration with the late Twyla Herbert - a long-time work partner. More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Happened to Lou Christie? Lightnin' Strikes Singer Passes Away
Lou Christie, the falsetto-voiced pop icon best known for his 1966 chart-topper 'Lightnin' Strikes,' died at 82; his family confirmed the news earlier today. A standout figure in 1960s pop music, Christie became known for his soaring falsetto and unique style. He left a lasting mark with a string of Billboard hits that defined his career. Here's what we know so far about Lou Christie's death. Lou Christie, the Pittsburgh-born singer-songwriter, has died at the age of 82. He was known for his signature falsetto and a string of chart-topping hits in the 1960s. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Christie passed away Wednesday at his home in Pittsburgh following a short illness, as confirmed by his wife, Francesca. Lou Christie was born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, on February 19, 1943. He gained fame with Billboard Hot 100 hits, including 'Lightnin' Strikes,' which reached No. 1 in February 1966. MGM Records released the song in December 1965, with Charles Calello producing it and The Delicates providing backing vocals. Christie's musical career began in 1963 with 'The Gypsy Cried' and 'Two Faces Have I,' both co-written with longtime collaborator Twyla Herbert. He continued to climb the charts with 'I'm Gonna Make You Mine' in 1969 and a 1974 rendition of 'Beyond the Blue Horizon.' His other singles included 'Outside the Gates of Heaven,' 'Big Time,' 'Are You Getting Any Sunshine?' and 'She Sold Me Magic.' In March 1966, Christie released 'Rhapsody in the Rain,' which peaked at No. 16 but was banned by several radio stations due to suggestive lyrics. A revised version later received broader airplay. 'We were makin' out in the rain/ And in this car, our love went much too far' was changed to 'We fell in love in the rain/ And you and I were feelin' no pain.' Christie toured with Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars and recorded his final album in 2004. He later performed alongside Frankie Avalon and Fabian as part of Dick Fox's Golden Boys. His Instagram account shared, 'He was cherished… His absence leaves a profound void.' His wife, Francesca, and their daughter, Bianca, survived him, while his son, Christopher, died in 2014. The post What Happened to Lou Christie? Lightnin' Strikes Singer Passes Away appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
