The soul legend’s family announced that she had died at the age of 72.
Who was Linda Lewis?
Linda Ann Fredericks was born on September 27, 1950 in West Ham, London and was a soul singer who had a career that spanned nearly five decades.
After attending stage school she appeared as a screaming fan in Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night in 1964.
Famed for her five-octave vocal range, the self-taught guitarist and keyboard player went on to appear at the first Glastonbury Festival in 1970.
She later performed as a backing singer on David Bowie’s 1973 Aladdin Sane album.
Linda also toured with many music legends including Cat Stevens, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Rick Wakeman and Jamiroquai.
When did Linda Lewis pass away?
Linda passed away “peacefully” on May 3, 2023.
In a statement on Instagram, her sister Dee Lewis Clay wrote: “It is with the greatest sadness and regret we share the news that our beloved beautiful sister Linda Lewis passed away today peacefully at her home.
“The family asks that you respect our privacy and allow us to grieve at this heart-breaking time.”
Was Linda Lewis married?
Linda was married twice during her life.
Her first husband is musician James Cregan, who she wed in 1977 but divorced in 1983.
In 2004, Linda married music agent Neil Warnock, who survives her.
She also dated Cat Stevens on and off for several years, once writing that once late at night she asked her then boyfriend who fast asleep: “Sammy, is it OK if I sleep with Cat Stevens?”
She wrote: “There was no reply, so I took his silence as approval and went ahead.”
What were Linda Lewis’ most famous songs?
Linda’s biggest hit came with It’s In His Kiss which reached number six in 1975.
This song was later covered by Cher in 1990 and was renamed The Shoop Shoop Song.
Her song Rock-a-Doodle-Doo also reached number 15 in the UK charts.