Pop singer-songwriter Lou Christie, known for the No. 1 Billboard hit “Lightnin’ Strikes,” is dead at the age of 82.
Christie died at his home in Pittsburgh following a brief illness, his family said in a social media post Wednesday.
“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,” the post read. “His absence leaves a profound void in all our hearts. He will be greatly missed, always remembered and forever loved.”
Born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco on Feb. 19, 1943, in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, Christie’s star rose in the 1960s with the hit singles “The Gypsy Cried” and “Two Faces Have I.”
Later in his career, he signed with MGM Records and released his two most instantly identifiable hits: ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ and ‘Rhapsody in the Rain’ — the latter reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Known for his falsetto singing style, Christie managed to meld doo-wop, pop and rock, while also experimenting with country and disco. He later toured alongside pop idols Frankie Avalon and Fabian as part of “The Golden Boys Tour” in 2015, and as a solo act on the oldies circuit, the report said.
Christie is survived by his wife, Francesca Winfield and their daughter Bianca. Their son Christopher died in 2014.
