Lou Christie, the chart-topping pop singer best known for his 1966 hit "Lightnin' Strikes," has passed away at 82. He leaves behind a legacy that shaped a generation of music lovers.
Lou Christie, the singer-songwriter who topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 with the hit “Lightnin’ Strikes” died Wednesday at his home in Pittsburgh after a brief illness. His wife Francesca confirmed his passing to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 82.
A vintage and more recent picture of the singer was posted on his official Instgram with the caption, "It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved brother, Lou Christie, who left us after a brief illness. He was cherished not only by his family and close friends, but also by countless fans whose lives he touched with his kindness and generosity, artistic and musical talent, humor and spirit. His absence leaves a profound void in all our hearts. He will be greatly missed, always remembered, and forever loved."
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Christie was born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco on Feb. 19, 1943, in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, outside Pittsburgh. At 15, he became friends with Twyla Herbert, a classically trained musician nearly 22 years his senior. They would go on to write hundreds of songs together throughout their decades long careers.
He moved to New York after high school graduation and was given his stage name by music exec Nick Cenci. Cenci produced Christie's first hit, "The Gypsy Cried", which reached No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963 and "Two Faces Have I" which hit No. 6 a few months later.
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Christie's success led to a spot on one of Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars tours with Diana Ross and others acts. After the tour, his career was stalled when he went into the Army for two years. When he was discharged he signed with MGM Records and released two of his biggest hits, 'Lightnin' Strikes" and “Rhapsody in the Rain,” which went to No. 16. "Rhapsody in the Rain" was considered racy at the time and many radio stations banned it until a cleaner version was released by the record label. Thecontroversy only added to it's popularity with teenagers at the time.
He continued to make music and had many top 20 hits over the decades. His last album was released in 2004 and he performed as recently as 2023 at the age of 80.
In 2016 Christie was asked how he was still able to perform in his 70's and he replied, ""I'm not a liquor drinker and I don't smoke or go out to places where the music is so loud you have to shout to have a discussion. That doesn't interest me. I live a peaceful life, and I think that helps."
"When you're performing in Wales and England or traveling through the South and beating yourself up with such a busy schedule for years you start to wonder does anyone really know what I'm out there doing, other than the fans, who are so dedicated. That's the nicest part of my career. I've had incredibly devoted fans."
Christie is survived by his wife of 53 years, and their daughter, Bianca. He was predeceased by their son Christopher, who died at age 46 in a 2014 motorcycle accident.
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