Singer Lou Christie, well-known for Billboard charting singles “Lightnin’ Strikes” and “Rhapsody in the Rain,” died Wednesday at age 82, in response to his household.
Christie died at dwelling in his native Pittsburgh following a brief sickness of an undisclosed nature, Francesca, his spouse, instructed The Hollywood Reporter.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved brother, Lou Christie, who left us after a brief illness,” the Sacco household stated in a submit on the singer’s Instagram Wednesday.
at his Pittsburgh dwelling Wednesday on the age of 82, in response to his household. Getty Pictures
“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,” the message learn.
Born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco in 1943, the falsetto crooner grew up in Pittsburgh suburb Gelnwillard — transferring to New York proper after highschool, in 1961, to pursue a profession within the music business.
Christie had two minor hits in 1963 — “The Gypsy Cried,” which made it to No. 24 on the Scorching 100 in March, and “Two Faces Have I,” which peaked at No. 6 in June of that 12 months, in response to Billboard.
In 1966, Christie had his breakthrough with “Lightnin’ Strikes,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Scorching 100 in February.
Lightning struck once more the following month with the controversial “Rhapsody in the Rain,” which peaked at No. 16 — however initially confronted restricted radio play on account of its then-raunchy lyrics.
Christie provocatively sang, “We were makin’ out in the rain/ And in this car, our love went much too far,” which was thought of over-the-top suggestive by radio listeners in 1966.
The lyrics have been modified to “We fell in love in the rain/ And you and I were feelin’ no pain.”
Christie is survived by two kids and his spouse Francesca.
