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Lou Christie, Pop Idol Who Hit No. 1 in 1960s With ‘Lightnin’ Strikes,’ Dies at 82
Variety ^ | 06/18/2025 | Chris Willman

Posted on 06/19/2025 4:19:12 PM PDT by ChicagoConservative27

Lou Christie, the pop singer who indeed had lightning strike in a big way with his “Lightnin’ Strikes” smash in the 1960s, died Wednesday at 82, his family announced on social media. No date or cause of death was given.

Christie had three top 10 singles in the U.S. across a period of six years in the ’60s, the biggest being “Lightnin’ Strikes,” which was released in 1965 and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1966. Written by Christie with Twyla Herbert, the MGM-label single was famous for a soaring hook with a nearly Frankie Valli-level falsetto.

(Excerpt) Read more at variety.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; Philosophy; Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: 1960s; 82; dies; hit; idol; lightninstrikes; louchristie; music; no1; pop; tune; who
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What an amazing voice and talent. Rest in peace, Lou
1 posted on 06/19/2025 4:19:12 PM PDT by ChicagoConservative27
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To: ChicagoConservative27

Saw him in concert about 30 years ago.


2 posted on 06/19/2025 4:20:13 PM PDT by Old Yeller (On judgement day, you’ll wish you were biblically correctly, not politically correct.)
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To: ChicagoConservative27

A great talent. R.I.P.


3 posted on 06/19/2025 4:20:16 PM PDT by PghBaldy (12/14/12 - 930am -rampage begins... 12/15/12 - 1030am - Obama team scouts photo-op locations.)
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To: ChicagoConservative27

Great songs by a great singer


4 posted on 06/19/2025 4:20:36 PM PDT by SaveFerris (Luke 17:28 ... as it was in the Days of Lot; They did Eat, They Drank, They Bought, They Sold ......)
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To: ChicagoConservative27

,,, got “Lightnin’ strikes” stashed on SPOTIFY. Whether it’s a good day or a bad day that song lifts me/takes me higher. RIP Lou.


5 posted on 06/19/2025 4:23:07 PM PDT by shaggy eel (A long way south of the border.)
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To: ChicagoConservative27

I remember that song well. Loved it. Back when people sang songs and did not scream songs.


6 posted on 06/19/2025 4:31:29 PM PDT by Ruy Dias de Bivar ( )
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To: ChicagoConservative27

Beat Frankie Valley with the falsetto voice.


7 posted on 06/19/2025 4:32:30 PM PDT by Huskrrrr (Alinsky, you magnificent Bastard, I read your book!)
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To: ChicagoConservative27

Condolences to family and friends of lLou Christie.


8 posted on 06/19/2025 4:43:53 PM PDT by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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To: Huskrrrr

That’s who I always thought was singing; Frankie Valley.
I was fooled!

I recall seeing them on American Bandstand.
The Four Seasons were singing their new hit “Dawn (Go Away!).


9 posted on 06/19/2025 4:46:21 PM PDT by lee martell
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To: ChicagoConservative27

Made it to 82. Loved his stuff. God rest him well.


10 posted on 06/19/2025 4:48:07 PM PDT by Luke21
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To: ChicagoConservative27

“Two Faces Have I” was a better hit.


11 posted on 06/19/2025 4:55:59 PM PDT by Fireone (1.Avoid crowds 2.Head on a swivel 3.Be prepared to protect & defend those around you 4.Avoid crowds)
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To: ChicagoConservative27
After his stint with MGM, Christie went to Columbia.

"Self-Expression"

It didn't chart.

He turned to Buddah, the Kazenetz & Katz company with Mafia ties.

"Canterbury Road"

It didn't chart, although it was a worthy entry.

He ended with a Tony Romeo tune. (Romeo wrote for the Cowsills.)

"I'm Gonna Make You Mine"

12 posted on 06/19/2025 5:14:00 PM PDT by Publius
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To: ChicagoConservative27

I loved Lou Christy. Great songs.


13 posted on 06/19/2025 5:16:05 PM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped)
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To: Fireone

“Two Faces Have I”

I had forgotten that one.

“Rhapsody in the Rain” and “I’m Gonna Make You Mine” were good too. He was touring until a few years ago.

Thanks Lou, for some great memories.


14 posted on 06/19/2025 5:28:46 PM PDT by Not_Who_U_Think (=)
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To: ChicagoConservative27

Saw him live a couple of times back at the “Big Bam” shows in Montgomery, Ala back in the 70s.


15 posted on 06/19/2025 5:29:17 PM PDT by BamaBelle (Psa 143:8 - ...cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.)
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To: ChicagoConservative27; All

“Lightning Strikes” video from around 40 years ago?:

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=hWX9lO3hZys


16 posted on 06/19/2025 5:35:25 PM PDT by Drago
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To: ChicagoConservative27

My elders keep “The Gypsy Cried” on a playlist, that fellow had a voice like a Chipmunk.


17 posted on 06/19/2025 5:37:18 PM PDT by Buttons12 ( )
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To: BamaBelle

Bummer-just had to go to YouTube to hear couple.


18 posted on 06/19/2025 5:42:06 PM PDT by DIRTYSECRET
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To: ChicagoConservative27

Very Franki Valliish Four Seasons sound. Probably held back his career a bit as they were the bomb.


19 posted on 06/19/2025 5:42:19 PM PDT by DAC21
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To: ChicagoConservative27

Loved those hits. Great falsetto!


20 posted on 06/19/2025 5:45:35 PM PDT by alstewartfan (Child slavery, rape and drug OD's mean nothing to Roberts and Barrett. )
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