Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Josh Luckhurst

Linda Lewis: Trailblazer singer-songwriter dead at 72 as sister pays poignant tribute

Trailblazer singer-songwriter Linda Lewis has died at the age of 72, her sister has confirmed in a statement.

Linda is one of Britain's most respected songwriters and vocalist during a career which spanned more than four decades.

Her five-octave vocal range and ability to effortless perform a number of different genres such as folk, soul, pop and reggae brought her signature sound which is integral in music industry to this day.

Her sister Dee Lewis Clay confirmed the news of her death with a statement on social media on Wednesday night.

It read: "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.

Linda Lewis died at the age of 72 on Wednesday (Redferns)

"The family asks that you respect our privacy and allow us to grieve at this heartbreaking time."

Fans flocked to the comment section to share their condolences to the Lewis family.

One person wrote: "Oh, Dee, I’m so sorry!! Sending you hugs and so much love."

A second fan replied: "So sorry to hear Dee. We’re all thinking of you and your family," while another said: "So sorry Dee. My condolences. She was a such a beautiful soul.. Sending lots of love.."

Linda claimed four top 40 single hits during her career (Redferns)

A fourth person commented: "I am so sad to hear this news about the lovely, talented, hilarious icon! Sending all my love and condolences to the whole fam!"

Her flexibility as a vocalist saw her work with a number of stars as a backing singer, including the likes of David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Joan Armatrading and Jamiroquai.

She grew up in London's East End and was the eldest of six children, with young sisters Dee and Shirley also forging careers in music.

She attended stage school and as a teenager she was cast in A Taste of Honey and The Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night.

She continued to perform and record at events until her death (Chris Jackson Collection)

Linda claimed four top 40 hits during her career. Her debut single, Rock-a-Doodle-Doo, reached to number 15 in 1973 before her cover of Betty Everett's It's In His Kiss produced her only top 10 song two years later - peaking at six.

She released 10 studio albums between 1971 and 1999, with her 1975 compilation Not a Little Girl Anymore sneaking just inside the UK Top 40 Album Charts.

Linda was a self-taught guitarist and keyboard player thanks to the influence of American artists such as Harry Nilsson, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell and Smokey Robinson.

In recent years, she made appearances at Glastonbury, the Montreaux Jazz Festival and the Royal Festival Hall to name a few as she continued to perform and record until her death.

*Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.