Lou Christie, the singer-songwriter who topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 with the hit “Lightnin’ Strikes” died Wednesday at his home in Pittsburgh after a brief illness. His wife Francesca confirmed his passing to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 82.
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He moved to New York after high school graduation and was given his stage name by music exec Nick Cenci. Cenci produced Christie's first hit, "The Gypsy Cried", which reached No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963 and "Two Faces Have I" which hit No. 6 a few months later.
Christie's success led to a spot on one of Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars tours with Diana Ross and others acts. After the tour, his career was stalled when he went into the Army for two years. When he was discharged he signed with MGM Records and released two of his biggest hits, 'Lightnin' Strikes" and “Rhapsody in the Rain,” which went to No. 16. "Rhapsody in the Rain" was considered racy at the time and many radio stations banned it until a cleaner version was released by the record label. Thecontroversy only added to it's popularity with teenagers at the time.
In 2016 Christie was asked how he was still able to perform in his 70's and he replied, ""I'm not a liquor drinker and I don't smoke or go out to places where the music is so loud you have to shout to have a discussion. That doesn't interest me. I live a peaceful life, and I think that helps."
Christie is survived by his wife of 53 years, and their daughter, Bianca. He was predeceased by their son Christopher, who died at age 46 in a 2014 motorcycle accident.
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