Linda Lewis, singer with five-octave range, dies aged 72

Singer-songwriter Linda Lewis, whose career spanned more than four decades, has died at the age of 72, her family has confirmed.

Known for a five-octave vocal range and ability to perform a wide array of genres, she enjoyed solo success in the 1970s and provided backing vocals for such artists as David Bowie and Rod Stewart.

In a statement on social media, her sister Dee Lewis Clay said: “It is with the greatest sadness and regret we share the news that our beloved beautiful sister Linda Lewis passed away today peacefully at her home.

Music – Linda Lewis
Linda Lewis had a hit with It’s In His Kiss and was voted Best Female Artist for 1975 in a poll conducted by London Weekend TV (PA)

Born Linda Ann Fredericks in West Ham, she attended stage school and appeared in a non-speaking role in the British film A Taste of Honey in 1961 and as a screaming fan in the first Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night three years later.

A self-taught guitarist and keyboard player, she appeared at the first Glastonbury Festival in 1970 and had four top 40 hits throughout the next decade – the first coming with Rock-a-Doodle-Doo which reached number 15 in the UK in 1973.

Her biggest hit came with It’s In His Kiss – a cover of Cher’s The Shoop Shoop Song – which reached number six in 1975.

She also toured with Cat Stevens, one of many big names for whom she provided backing vocals, including Bowie – on the Aladdin Sane album – Stewart, Steve Harley and Cockney Revel, Rick Wakeman, Joan Armatrading and Jamiroquai.

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