Lou Christie, ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ Singer, De

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Lou Christie, the singer best known for his 1966 #1 hit “Lightnin’ Strikes,” died this morning (June 18, 2025), following a brief battle with cancer. His death was announced on his social media pages by his family, who did not specify the location. Christie was 82.

The post on Christie’s page reads: “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.”

The announcement was signed “The Sacco Family,” an acknowledgement that Christie, who was born Feb. 19, 1943, was originally named Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco. Always associated with the city of Pittsburgh, Christie was born in Glenwillard, a neighborhood in Allegheny County, which includes the larger city. He sang as a child and at age 15 began working with Twyla Herbert, an older, classically trained musician who became his songwriting partner. At first, still known as Lugee Sacco, the teen sang with various area vocal groups, one of which, Lugee and the Lions (consisting of Sacco, Twyla Herbert’s daughter Shirley and two others), had a local hit with “The Jury” on the Robbee label.

In 1961, Sacco began working as a session vocalist in New York City, and the following year, he teamed up with Pittsburgh-based entertainment business figure Nick Cenci, who suggested the name change to Lou Christie. Toward the end of 1962, they released Herbert and Christie’s “The Gypsy Cried,” which spotlighted Christie’s falsetto voice, a trademark that he would continue to employ throughout his career. Released on the independent C & C label, the single was picked up by the larger Roulette Records and reached #23 in Billboard in the early part of 1963.

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