Biography
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Born
27 September 1950
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Born In
Newham, London, England, United Kingdom
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Died
3 May 2023 (aged 72)
Linda Lewis (born Linda Ann Fredericks in West Ham, London on 27 September 1950; died 3 May 2023) was an English pop and soul vocalist, a songwriter and guitar player, renowned for her vocals. She is remembered for the singles "Rock-a-Doodle-Doo" (1973), "Sideway Shuffle" (1973), and her version of Betty Everett's "Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)" (1975). Her discography includes solo albums, Lark (1972), Not a Little Girl Anymore (1975), Woman Overboard (1977), and the later Second Nature (1995). Over her career, Lewis provided backing vocals for other artists, including David Bowie, Al Kooper, Cat Stevens, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Rick Wakeman, Rod Stewart, Peter Bardens, Hummingbird, Joan Armatrading, and Jamiroquai.
Possessing a five-octave vocal range, Lewis built her reputation as a singer joining the British group Ferris Wheel in 1967. When the group disbanded in 1970, she went on to pursue a solo career.
A self-taught guitarist and keyboard player, Lewis was heavily influenced by Stevie Wonder and also drew inspiration from Joni Mitchell among others. With her blend of soul, folk, pop and reggae, she helped paved the way for today's artists like Des'ree and India.Arie.
After over a decade of non-stop touring, performing and recording, Lewis went on hiatus during the 1980s, spending over ten years in Los Angeles out of the public eye.
In 2003, Lewis appeared at the Glastonbury Festival. In 2006, she released the album, Live in Old Smokey, which featured a string of new songs and previously released ones that have been re-recorded. In the same year, she collaborated with Basement Jaxx.
In 2023, Lewis collaborated with UK folk-funk band The Paracosmos; their single "Earthling" featured additional vocals by Lewis.
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